ICC Awards 2024: Bumrah, Mandhana, and Omarzai Shine

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27Jan, 2025
Cricket’s brightest stars took center stage as the ICC unveiled the latest honorees of the ICC Awards 2024, celebrating excellence in Men’s Tests and Men’s and Women’s ODIs. With gripping performances across the year, Jasprit Bumrah, Smriti Mandhana, and Azmatullah Omarzai stood tall among their peers.
Bumrah’s Record-Breaking Year Secures ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year
India’s Jasprit Bumrah reaffirmed his status as a generational talent, claiming the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award. The 31-year-old fast bowler enjoyed a career-defining year, taking a staggering 71 wickets in 2024 at an eye-popping average of 14.92. Bumrah’s relentless consistency saw him lead India’s charge in Tests against South Africa, England, Bangladesh, and Australia, where his Player-of-the-Series exploits were the talk of the cricketing world.
Beating out fierce competition from England’s Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis, Bumrah became the first Indian since Virat Kohli in 2018 to win the prestigious title.
“This award is a reflection of the support from my teammates, coaches, and fans. Representing India is a privilege I deeply cherish,” Bumrah said.
Mandhana Reclaims ODI Crown with Stellar Performances
Smriti Mandhana, the linchpin of India’s batting lineup, secured her second ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award, her first since 2018. With 747 runs at an average of 57.46, Mandhana’s elegant stroke play and match-winning centuries lit up 2024. Highlights included commanding performances against New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, solidifying her as the top run-scorer and most prolific centurion of the year.
Mandhana edged past South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, Australia’s Annabel Sutherland, and defending champion Chamari Athapaththu to claim the honor.
“Winning this award for the second time is incredibly special. It fuels my ambition to keep striving for excellence and contributing to my team’s success,” Mandhana shared.
Afghanistan’s Omarzai: A Rising Star in ODI Cricket
Azmatullah Omarzai of Afghanistan capped a phenomenal year by being crowned ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year. The 24-year-old all-rounder delivered with both bat and ball, scoring 417 runs at 52.12 and taking 17 wickets at 20.47. His standout moments included a maiden ODI century (149*) against Sri Lanka and career-best bowling figures of 4/18 against Zimbabwe.
Omarzai’s achievements saw him outshine West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford and Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga.
“This award is a testament to the hard work of my teammates and support staff. I’m proud to represent Afghanistan on the global stage,” said Omarzai.
Final Announcements Await
The ICC Awards 2024 conclude on Tuesday with the announcement of cricket’s most prestigious honors—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.
These awards celebrate not only individual brilliance but also the passion of global fans, who cast over 1.5 million votes during the voting period.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]