Jasprit Bumrah, India’s spearhead pacer, has been crowned the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2024, a prestigious accolade marked by the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy. This marks a significant return to form for Bumrah, who had been sidelined due to a back injury. His resurgence culminated in a dominant display in Test cricket throughout 2024, where he led the wicket-taking charts with an impressive 71 scalps at an astonishing average of 14.92 and a strike rate of 30.1. Bumrah’s recognition follows closely on the heels of his being named the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year, solidifying his impactful comeback. This prestigious award puts Bumrah in esteemed company, making him the first Indian since Virat Kohli in 2018 to claim the coveted Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy. His contributions were instrumental in India’s successful campaign at the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados, further underscoring his all-format prowess.
Bumrah’s triumph represents a remarkable individual achievement and highlights his dedication and resilience in overcoming injury adversity. His remarkable bowling figures throughout the year speak volumes about his skill and consistency. Bumrah’s ability to generate pace, swing, and accuracy makes him a formidable opponent for any batsman. His contributions extended beyond individual brilliance, significantly impacting India’s success in various formats, particularly in the triumphant T20 World Cup campaign. The award serves as a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and the unwavering support he received from his team, family, and fans. His achievement also serves as an inspiration for aspiring bowlers worldwide, demonstrating the power of hard work and dedication in realizing one’s dreams.
In the other major award category, New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr secured the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year, receiving the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. Kerr’s recognition comes after her outstanding performances across formats, highlighted by her being named the Women’s T20 Cricketer of the Year. Her all-round capabilities make her a crucial asset to the New Zealand team. This double win for Kerr underscores her significant contributions to the women’s game and her emergence as a prominent figure in international cricket.
The ICC awards also saw other Indian cricketers shine brightly. Smriti Mandhana, the elegant opening batter, claimed the Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award for the second time in her career, a testament to her consistent run-scoring prowess. Her impressive tally of 747 runs at an average of 57.46 during the year solidified her status as one of the leading batters in the women’s game. Adding to India’s success, Arshdeep Singh, the young left-arm pacer, earned the Men’s T20 Cricketer of the Year award. His crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup victory, particularly his death bowling expertise, earned him well-deserved recognition.
Beyond the individual awards, the ICC also unveiled the Men’s T20I Team of the Year, featuring four Indian players: Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh. This substantial representation highlights the depth and talent within the Indian T20 squad and their dominant performances throughout the year. The inclusion of these players reflects their individual contributions and the team’s collective success in the shortest format of the game.
Other notable awardees include Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai, who clinched the Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award, Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis, honored as the Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year, and South Africa’s Annerie Dercksen, who bagged the Women’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year award. These recognitions highlight promising talent from across the cricketing world and signify the growth and competitiveness of the game on a global scale. Furthermore, Gerhard Erasmus of Namibia and Esha Oza of the UAE were recognized for their contributions to Associate cricket, representing the expanding reach of the sport beyond traditional cricketing nations.
The ICC awards ceremony serves as a celebration of individual and team excellence, recognizing outstanding contributions to international cricket. From established stars like Bumrah and Mandhana to emerging talents like Mendis and Dercksen, the awards showcase the depth and diversity of the game. They also highlight the impact of players from Associate nations, signifying the continued growth and globalization of cricket. The awards motivate current players and inspire future generations to strive for excellence and embody the spirit of the game.
