Bumrah Celebrates ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year Honor

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jasprit Bumrah honored as ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year.
- Achieved 71 wickets in 13 matches during 2024.
- First Indian since Virat Kohli to receive this award.
- Smriti Mandhana wins ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.
- Azmatullah Omarzai named ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.
New Delhi, Jan 27 (NationPress) After being named the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024, India’s pace bowling leader Jasprit Bumrah expressed immense pride in receiving this award, describing the recognition as truly special.
Bumrah claimed the accolade following an outstanding 2024 season where he took a remarkable 71 wickets in 13 matches, both at home and abroad, boasting an impressive average of just 14.92. This included earning the Player of the Series title during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series held in Australia.
At 31 years old, Bumrah is the first Indian cricketer to win this esteemed award since Virat Kohli, who received it in 2018.
“I am deeply honored to receive the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award. Test cricket is a format I hold dear to my heart, and being recognized on this platform is truly special. This award reflects not only my personal achievements but also the steadfast support of my teammates, coaches, and fans who continually inspire me. Representing India is a privilege I cherish, and knowing my efforts bring joy to people worldwide makes this journey even more meaningful,” Bumrah shared in a statement from the ICC on Monday.
India also celebrated as vice-captain Smriti Mandhana secured her first ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award since 2018, having scored 747 runs at an average of 57.46 in 2024, which included four centuries—the most by any female batter in a single calendar year.
“Winning the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year Award for 2024 is an absolute honor. Reflecting on my previous win in 2018, it motivated me to excel for my country. This second win fuels my ambition to pursue excellence even further. It’s a great joy and pride to represent my country at this level, and I’m thrilled to contribute to the team's success. I dedicate this award to my teammates, coaches, and family, who have been my unwavering support,” said Smriti.
Afghanistan’s seam-bowling all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai was named the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year after scoring 417 runs at an average of 52.12 and taking 17 wickets at an average of 20.47.
“I am very proud to receive the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year title after a remarkable year. This honor is precious to me as both an individual and a member of a talented Afghanistan team. I thank my teammates, coaches, support staff, and fans for their encouragement and support, which made this achievement possible,” he stated.
On Tuesday, the ICC will reveal the winners of two prestigious awards: 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.