Three Pakistan cricketers featured in ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year for 2024

The International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024, celebrating outstanding performances in the 50-over format. The team includes players from six nations, with Pakistan making a significant impact as three of their stars secured spots in the lineup.  

Saim Ayub, Pakistan’s rising opener, earned his place after a remarkable year with the bat. The left-hander scored 515 runs in just 9 innings, showcasing consistency and flair at the top of the order. The left-hander scored 515 runs in just 9 innings, showcasing consistency and flair at the top of the order. He also took 5 wickets at an average of 27.80. His performances were instrumental in several of Pakistan’s victories in 2024, including a historic whitewash of South Africa in their own backyard, where he was named Player of the Series.

Joining him in the squad is Pakistan’s pace duo, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf. Afridi continued to dominate with the new ball, picking up 15 wickets in 6 matches at an average of 17.60. His lethal yorkers and swing deliveries made him a nightmare for opposition batters. Meanwhile, Haris Rauf’s raw pace and accuracy helped him secure 13 wickets in 8 matches, with his ability to strike in the death overs proving crucial for Pakistan.  

The team is captained by Sri Lanka’s all-rounder Charith Asalanka, who had a stellar year with both bat and ball, amassing 605 runs and contributing with taking 10 wickets in crunch moments. His leadership and consistency were key for Sri Lanka in 2024.  

Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Afghanistan impressed with his explosive batting, scoring over 531 runs at the top of the order in 11 innings, while Pathum Nissanka of Sri Lanka delivered steady performances, amassing 694 runs. Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis also made the cut after a year of consistent performances, finishing with 742 runs and excelling behind the stumps.  

West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford shone with his aggressive batting, scoring 425 runs. Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai contributed as an all-rounder, adding valuable runs and wickets for his team.  

Sri Lanka’s star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was a standout performer with the ball, claiming 26 wickets in 10 innings and maintaining an economy rate around five. Afghanistan’s AM Ghazanfar rounded off the squad with his effective spin bowling, taking 21 wickets in 11 matches.  

ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year 2024:  

Saim Ayub (Pakistan), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan), Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka), Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka - Wicketkeeper), Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka - Captain), Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies), Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan), Haris Rauf (Pakistan), AM Ghazanfar (Afghanistan)