The International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed its Men’s ODI Team of the Year for 2024 on Friday, featuring Pakistan’s Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf. The Pakistani trio made the list after stellar performances throughout the year, solidifying their place among the best in the game.
Saim Ayub: A Breakout Star
Opening batter Saim Ayub headlined the ICC’s selection following a sensational breakout year. After making his ODI debut in November against Australia, Ayub scored 125 runs in three matches. The left-hander followed it up with an extraordinary streak, scoring centuries in three of his last five innings, including two in South Africa. He averaged 78.3 in the series and concluded 2024 with an impressive 515 runs in just nine ODI appearances, boasting an average of 64.37 and a strike rate of 105.53. His highest score of the year was 113, and he racked up three centuries and one fifty.
Though sidelined for six weeks due to an ankle fracture earlier this month, Ayub is undergoing rehabilitation in London and is expected to return stronger.
Shaheen Afridi: The Strike Bowler
Shaheen Shah Afridi continued to dazzle in 2024 with his match-winning bowling spells. Despite playing only six ODIs, Afridi claimed 15 wickets at an exceptional average of 17.6. His best figures of 4/47 highlighted his ability to dominate in crucial moments. The ICC praised Afridi for maintaining one of the best bowling strike rates in world cricket and proving his mettle as a consistent performer at the international level.
Haris Rauf: A Finisher on Fire
Haris Rauf ended the year in blazing form, finishing with 13 wickets in eight ODIs at an average of 22.4 and best figures of 5/29. The ICC also named Rauf the Men’s Player of the Month for November, recognizing his impactful performances that included 18 wickets across the year. He outperformed India’s Jasprit Bumrah and South Africa’s Marco Jansen to win the monthly honor.
No Indian Players in the Team
Interestingly, no Indian players were included in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year. The lineup featured a strong presence from Afghanistan (3 players) and Sri Lanka (4 players), along with one representative from the West Indies.
ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024
- Saim Ayub (Pakistan)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)
- Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
- Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
- Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka)
- Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies)
- Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
- Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
- Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
- AM Ghazanfar (Afghanistan)
Pakistan’s strong representation in the team reflects the players’ exceptional individual contributions to the sport, marking another milestone in their cricketing journey.
