Jasprit Bumrah has been named the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year, while Smriti Mandhana made history by securing her second ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award. Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai clinched the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year title, showcasing his brilliance with dynamic pace bowling and powerful batting.
Bumrah claimed the title after a sensational year, during which he took 71 wickets in the longest format at a staggering average of just 14.92.
Bumrah outpaced fellow nominees England’s Harry Brook and Joe Root, plus ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year Kamindu Mendis to win the award, becoming the first Indian cricketer since Virat Kohli in 2018 to do so.
The 31-year-old returned his best Test haul in 2024, taking 19 more than his nearest rival and consolidating his position as the number one ranked bowler in the ICC Men’s Test Bowler rankings.
He made headlines with sensational wicket-taking spells in Tests as India registered a series of wins against England, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Australia.
Upon receiving the title Bumrah said, “I am deeply honored to receive the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award. Test cricket has always been a format I hold close to my heart, and to be recognized on this platform is truly special”.
“This award is not just a reflection of my individual efforts but also of the unwavering support of my teammates, coaches, and fans who continue to believe in and inspire me every day. Representing India is a privilege I deeply cherish, and knowing my efforts bring smiles to people around the world makes this journey even more special”, he added.
Smriti Mandhana, India’s opener in women’s cricket, won her first ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award in 2018.
The 28-year-old triumphed South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, Australia’s Annabel Sutherland, and 2023’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu.
Her tally of 747 runs in 13 innings is the highest among the leading run-getters in Women’s ODIs last year, way ahead of Wolvaardt (697), Beaumont (554), and Matthews (469).
“It is an immense joy and a matter of pride to represent my country at the highest level and it makes me happy to play a role in helping the team succeed. I want to dedicate this award to my teammates, coaches, and family who have been my absolute pillars of support”, said Mandhana.
24-year-old Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai has won the title after scoring 417 runs at an average of 52.12, and 17 wickets at 20.47.
Indias Arshdeep Singh has been named the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year, bagging 36 wickets in just 18 games.
Announcements in the ICC Awards 2024 will conclude on Tuesday, with the highly anticipated announcement of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.
