Babar Azam nominated for ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year

Babar Azam, Arshdeep Singh, Travis Head, and Sikandar Raza lead the charge in the 2024 nominations.

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Pakistan’s cricket star Babar Azam has been nominated for the prestigious ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award.

The top-ranked ODI batter, who currently sits at sixth in the T20I rankings, has been recognised for his solid performances over the past year, alongside India’s Arshdeep Singh, Australia’s Travis Head, and Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza.

Babar Azam’s year was marked by consistency despite some ups and downs with the bat. In 24 T20I matches, the Pakistani batter scored 738 runs at an average of 33.54, including six half-centuries and nearly 100 boundaries. Babar Azam’s strike rate also saw improvement, with a notable figure of 133.21 runs per 100 balls.

 

 

 

 

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One of Babar Azam’s finest performances came during the three-match away series against Ireland before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. In the second match of the series, he played a crucial knock of 75 runs from 42 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 178.57, helping Pakistan secure a much-needed victory after an early loss in the series.

Meanwhile, India’s left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh had an exceptional year with the ball, picking up 36 wickets in 18 T20I matches at a fantastic average of 13.5.

His best performance came during the T20 World Cup 2024, where he helped India clinch the title with a pivotal role in the final against South Africa. Arshdeep’s brilliant death bowling alongside Jasprit Bumrah ensured India’s victory, as he picked up key wickets in tight situations.

Australia’s Travis Head, who enjoyed a breakthrough year in the T20I format, has been nominated after scoring 539 runs in 15 matches at an average of 38.5.

His strike rate of 178.47 and a highest score of 80 were significant highlights of his year. Head was particularly effective in explosive cameos against New Zealand and in the Indian Premier League, continuing his fine form into the T20 World Cup.

Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, who has been nominated for the third consecutive year, continues to impress as an all-rounder. Raza scored 573 runs in 24 matches at an average of 28.65 and a highest score of 133 not out, coming in Zimbabwe’s unbeaten run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup sub-regional Africa Qualifier.

Raza’s contributions with the ball were equally important, as he picked up 24 wickets at an average of 22.25, with the best bowling figures of 5/18..

The ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award is one of the highlights of the annual ICC Awards, which recognise the best performances across the calendar year in international cricket.