ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s cricketing maestro Babar Azam has once again cemented his legacy by earning a spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20I Team of the Year for 2024.
Known for his elegant cover drives and consistency, Babar is the only Pakistani cricketer to make the prestigious lineup.
The 30-year-old batter scored 738 runs in 24 matches, including six half-centuries, with a top score of 75 and an impressive average of 33.54.
Babar started the year in scintillating form, notching up three consecutive fifties against New Zealand. His ability to deliver under pressure and across formats has earned him accolades from fans and experts alike.
“The 30-year-old’s ability to perform under pressure and his consistency across formats reaffirmed his status as one of the finest players in international cricket,” the ICC said in a statement.
Congratulations to the elite players selected for the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year 2024 🙌 pic.twitter.com/VaPaV6m1bT
— ICC (@ICC) January 25, 2025
India’s Rohit Sharma, who captains the team, led his side to their first T20 World Cup victory in over a decade. Rohit amassed 378 runs in 11 matches, including a stellar knock of 121. Joining Rohit are fellow Indian players Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.
Australia’s Travis Head also features prominently in the team. Known for his explosive performances, Head maintained a strike rate nearing 180 and played a vital role in Australia’s T20I success with four half-centuries, including a blistering 80 against Scotland.
England’s Phil Salt was recognised for his impactful starts, scoring 467 runs in 17 matches, highlighted by an unbeaten 87 against the West Indies and 103 in a bilateral series.
West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran, another standout player, made it to the lineup after accumulating 464 runs in 21 matches, with a memorable 98 off 53 balls against Afghanistan.
Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza earned his place with a record-breaking 133* off 43 balls in a qualifier.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan led their bowling attack with 31 wickets in 14 matches at an average of just 9.58, helping Afghanistan reach their first-ever T20 World Cup semifinal.
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Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga also secured a spot, as the world’s third-ranked T20I bowler continued to impress with his consistency.
Hardik Pandya reaffirmed his status as the top all-rounder, contributing 352 runs and claiming 16 wickets, including a nerve-wracking final over in the T20 World Cup.
The ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year 2024 is as follows: Rohit Sharma (c), Travis Head, Phil Salt, Babar Azam, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Sikandar Raza, Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.
