ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024：All Nominees Overview

India’s rising cricket sensation, Arshdeep Singh, has emerged as a standout performer in the T20I format, earning a nomination for the prestigious ICC T20I Cricketer Of The Year 2024 award. Known for his exceptional skills as a pacer, especially in the absence of senior bowler Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep played a pivotal role in India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup triumph.

Joining him on the esteemed list of nominees are Zimbabwe’s versatile all-rounder Sikandar Raza, Pakistan’s prolific batter Babar Azam, and Australia’s dynamic stroke-maker Travis Head. This article delves into the stellar performances of these four cricketers, with a spotlight on Arshdeep Singh’s journey to becoming India’s primary pacer in T20Is.

Contents

1 ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024 Nominees
2 Who Will Be 2024 ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer？

ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024 Nominees

Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh has cemented his place as India national cricket team’s go-to bowler in T20Is, showcasing exceptional consistency and versatility. In 2023, he claimed 36 wickets in just 18 matches, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in a calendar year, only behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 37 from 32 games. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver under pressure, Arshdeep has filled the crucial role of a left-arm pacer for Team India. His performances were instrumental in India’s victories across home conditions and overseas tours, including the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.

One of Arshdeep’s finest moments came in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final, where his calm under pressure turned the tide in India’s favor. Defending a competitive 177, he delivered a brilliant opening spell, dismissing South African skipper Aiden Markram early and later removing Quinton de Kock to derail the chase. His standout 19th over, conceding just four runs, elevated the required rate, forcing David Miller into a costly mistake that sealed India’s second T20 World Cup title. Arshdeep’s ability to rise on the big stage has made him an invaluable asset for India in the shortest format and thus earned him a rightful place amongst the nominees of 2024 ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer Award.

Sikandar Raza

Sikandar Raza has solidified his reputation as Zimbabwe’s most dependable cricketer, earning a spot in the ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024 shortlist for the third consecutive year. A dynamic all-rounder and inspirational captain, Raza was instrumental in Zimbabwe’s successful campaign during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup sub-regional Africa Qualifier Group B, where he amassed 199 runs and claimed 10 wickets. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has been pivotal in elevating Zimbabwe’s performances on the global stage.

Raza’s leadership and composure have steered Zimbabwe to victories over formidable teams such as India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Among his standout performances was a match-winning effort against India on a challenging pitch, where his crucial 17 runs ensured Zimbabwe reached 115/9. With the ball, he dismantled India’s chase by removing Shubman Gill and taking two more critical wickets, leading his side to a memorable 13-run victory. Raza’s knack for delivering in crunch moments has made him the backbone of Zimbabwean cricket and a place in the nominees list for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer Award.

Babar Azam

Babar Azam continued to be the cornerstone of Pakistan national cricket team’s T20I batting lineup, finishing as their highest run-scorer in 2023. Despite a mixed year, he displayed remarkable consistency with six fifties and close to 100 boundaries. His improved strike rate of 133.21 showcased his adaptability and intent in the shortest format. Babar is also on the verge of creating history, needing just eight runs to surpass Rohit Sharma as the highest run-getter in T20I cricket with 4231 runs.

One of Babar’s standout performances came during Pakistan’s tour of Ireland ahead of the T20 World Cup. After a surprising defeat in the opening match, he stepped up in the series decider, playing a captain’s knock of 75 runs off just 42 balls at a strike rate of 178.57. His brilliance guided Pakistan to a commanding victory in just 17 overs, underlining his ability to deliver when it matters most and therefore earning him a rightful spot amongst the nominees of the ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024.

Travis Head

Travis Head emerged as a force in Australia national cricket team‘s T20I lineup in 2024, amassing 539 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 178.47. Known for his explosive batting, Head excelled as an opener, delivering crucial knocks throughout the year. His form peaked during the T20 World Cup, where he was the third-highest run-scorer, tallying 255 runs at a strike rate of 158.38. Head’s contributions were pivotal in Australia’s successful campaigns, showcasing his ability to dominate opposition attacks in the shortest format.

A defining moment for Head came against England in Southampton, where he unleashed a fiery 59 off just 23 balls during the Powerplay. Partnering with Matthew Short, he smashed 12 boundaries, including four towering sixes, setting the tone for Australia’s imposing total of 179. His blistering innings proved decisive as Australia secured a commanding 28-run victory. Head’s dynamic batting has firmly established him as one of the most dangerous T20I openers in world cricket and earned him a top four place in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer Award.

Who Will Be 2024 ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer？

The ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024 nominees exemplify brilliance in the shortest format of the game. Arshdeep Singh’s impactful bowling, Sikandar Raza’s all-round heroics, Babar Azam’s consistent batting, and Travis Head’s explosive performances have all left an indelible mark on the cricketing world. Each player’s journey showcases a unique blend of skill, leadership, and determination, raising the bar for excellence in T20 cricket. As fans and experts eagerly await the announcement, the performances of these four players remind us why T20 cricket remains one of the most thrilling formats of the sport.