Pakistan’s cricket sensation Babar Azam has been shortlisted for the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award, alongside India’s Arshdeep Singh, Australia’s Travis Head, and Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza.
Babar, ranked as the top ODI batter and sixth in T20I rankings, earned recognition for his consistent performances throughout 2024. In 24 T20I matches, he amassed 738 runs at an average of 33.54, including six half-centuries. With nearly 100 boundaries and a strike rate of 133.21, Babar displayed remarkable improvement in his gameplay.
A standout moment of his year was during the series against Ireland ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. In the second match, Babar smashed 75 runs off 42 balls with a strike rate of 178.57, steering Pakistan to a crucial win.
India’s Arshdeep Singh also made waves with his bowling prowess, taking 36 wickets in 18 T20Is at an outstanding average of 13.5. His exceptional death bowling, particularly during India’s T20 World Cup final victory over South Africa, cemented his place among the nominees.
Travis Head of Australia had a breakthrough year, scoring 539 runs in 15 matches at an impressive average of 38.5 and a strike rate of 178.47. Known for his explosive innings, Head shone in the T20 World Cup and IPL, delivering match-winning performances.
Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, nominated for the third consecutive year, continued to impress as an all-rounder. Raza scored 573 runs in 24 matches, including a highest score of 133 not out during Zimbabwe’s dominance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier. He also excelled with the ball, taking 24 wickets at an average of 22.25, with best figures of 5/18.
The ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award is a prominent highlight of the annual ICC Awards, celebrating the finest performances in international cricket.
