Babar Azam
Babar Azam, known for his elegant cover drives and exceptional batting performances, has earned a prestigious spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20I Team of the Year for 2024.
The Pakistan cricket star was included in the team for his consistent and outstanding performance throughout the year. Babar scored a total of 738 runs in 24 T20I matches, which included six half-centuries, with his highest score being 75.
With an average of 33.54, he has solidified his place as one of the premier batters in the T20 format.
Starting the year on a high, Babar impressed with three consecutive half-centuries against New Zealand, setting the tone for his excellent form.
The ICC highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and maintain consistency across formats, emphasizing his status as one of the finest international cricketers. Notably, Babar Azam is the only Pakistani player in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year for 2024.
The team, captained by India’s Rohit Sharma, features several other prominent players. Rohit Sharma himself has been a key figure in the T20 format, scoring 378 runs in 11 matches, including a brilliant 121.
Under his leadership, India clinched their first T20 World Cup title in over a decade. Alongside him in the team are Indian players such as all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who made significant contributions both with the bat and ball, and pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
Australia’s Travis Head also made it to the lineup, thanks to his explosive batting, accumulating runs at a strike rate near 180. His ability to dominate both pace and spin was highlighted by his four half-centuries, including an impressive 80 against Scotland.
England’s Phil Salt, known for his fearless batting, is another standout inclusion, scoring 467 runs in 17 matches, with standout performances such as 87* against the West Indies in the T20 World Cup.
West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran, Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, and Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga round out the team. Pooran’s ability to accelerate in the middle overs and finish strong made him a pivotal figure for the West Indies, while Raza’s remarkable knock of 133* off 43 balls in a qualifier set a record.
Rashid Khan’s 31 wickets in 14 matches helped Afghanistan achieve their first-ever World Cup semifinal, and Hasaranga’s all-round brilliance solidified his place as one of the top T20I bowlers.
The full ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year for 2024 includes: Rohit Sharma (captain), Travis Head, Phil Salt, Babar Azam, Nicholas Pooran (wicketkeeper), Sikandar Raza, Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.
