mbulelo smpofu
SIKANDAR Raza’s reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s greatest cricket stars was further solidified on Saturday, as he was named in the ICC Men’s T20 Team of the Year.
This prestigious recognition is a testament to Raza’s outstanding performances for both Zimbabwe’s national team and overseas franchise teams.
Raza’s impressive stats — 573 runs and 24 wickets — earned him a well-deserved spot among the world’s best T20 players.
Notably, he is the only player from Africa to make the coveted list, underscoring his remarkable talent and dedication to the sport.
India’s Arshdeep Singh and New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr triumph in T20I Cricketer of the Year awards after inspirational World Cup-winning feats in 2024
India’s Arshdeep Singh was named the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year by the International Cricket Council and New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr was crowned the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year.
In a pair of hotly contested categories, both players emerged victorious after a prolific year of international competition that saw them make historic contributions in their respective World Cup-winning campaigns.
Arshdeep enjoyed sustained success throughout the year in the shortest format, and peaked during a sensational stint at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June, topping the wicket-taking charts as India surged to glory in the West Indies and USA.
ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year, Arshdeep Singh: “I am delighted to win the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024 award. The shortest format of the game poses various challenges for bowlers but I consider it as an opportunity to test my skillset and provide success with the ball for my team.
“2024 was indeed a great year individually and collectively for us as a unit. Winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 was surreal and I am glad I could contribute to a successful and memorable World Cup campaign for my country.
“There is no bigger motivation than representing the nation at the biggest stage. I am extremely excited for the journey ahead and I am looking forward to giving my best for the team.”
Overcoming fellow nominees Babar Azam, Travis Head and Sikandar Raza, Arshdeep’s win ensures the award goes to India for the third year in a row, following his teammate Suryakumar Yadav’s back-to-back success in 2022 and 2023.
ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year
Rohit Sharma (Ind) (c)
Travis Head (Aus)
Phil Salt (Eng)
Babar Azam (Pak)
Nicholas Pooran (WI) (wk)
Sikandar Raza (Zim)
Hardik Pandya (Ind)
Rashid Khan (Afg)
Wanindu Hasaranga (SL)
Jasprit Bumrah (Ind)
Arshdeep Singh (Ind)
ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year:
Laura Wolvaardt (SA) (c),
Smriti Mandhana (Ind),
Chamari Athapaththu (SL),
Hayley Matthews (WI),
Nat Sciver-Brunt (Eng),
Amelia Kerr (NZ),
Richa Ghosh (Ind) (wk),
Marizanne Kapp (SA),
Orla Prendergast (Ire),
Deepti Sharma (Ind),
Sadia Iqbal (Pak) – icc-cricket.com/Sports Reporter
