DUBAI: Pakistan’s cricketing maestro Babar Azam has been nominated for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year Award, marking yet another milestone in his illustrious career.
Babar, who is currently the top-ranked batter in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and ranks sixth in the ICC T20I rankings, joins an elite group of nominees that includes India’s Arshdeep Singh, Australia’s Travis Head, and Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza.
Despite experiencing a mixed year with the bat, Babar amassed an impressive 738 runs in 24 matches at an average of 33.54. His tally includes six half-centuries and nearly 100 boundaries.
The year also saw a noticeable improvement in his strike rate, which climbed to 133.21 runs per 100 balls, underscoring his ability to adapt to the game’s evolving demands.
One of Babar’s standout performances came during a three-match series against Ireland ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
The right-hander scored 75 off 42 balls, striking six fours and five sixes at an extraordinary strike rate of 178.57.
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The competition for the award is tough. India’s left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh had a phenomenal year, claiming 36 wickets in 18 matches at a stunning average of 13.5.
His exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, where his tight death bowling alongside Jasprit Bumrah led India to victory, stands out as a career highlight.
Australia’s Travis Head also delivered stellar performances, cementing his place in the team after years of inconsistent opportunities. He scored 539 runs in 15 matches at an average of 38.5, including a top score of 80.
Head’s strike rate of 178.47 places him among the most explosive batters of the year. His runs tally is the second-highest by an Australian batter in a calendar year.
Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, a perennial contender for this award, continued his remarkable form for the Chevrons. Raza scored 573 runs in 24 matches at an average of 28.65, with a career-best unbeaten 133 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup sub-regional Africa Qualifier.
Equally effective with the ball, he picked up 24 wickets at an average of 22.25, including a stunning 5-18 in one of his outings.
The ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year Award recognizes outstanding performances and contributions to the format. The winner will be announced in January 2025.
