ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 Announced, India Stars Rejected; 3 Pakistani players included

The ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 has been announced with several surprises. Interestingly, the team does not have any players from the big three of international cricket – India, Australia and England.

A no of the youngsters who impressed in the 50 years format this year made the cut. Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka will lead this team with Kusal Mendis as the team’s designated wicketkeeper.

Pakistan’s young opener Saim Ayub was picked after some impressive batting performances in ODIs, while Rahamanullah Gurbaz was picked as his opening partner and the team’s second wicket.

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The ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 has been announced

The team looks well balanced with several surprising names. Ayub and Gurbaz were selected on the basis of consistent performances in ODIs this year. Ayub scored 515 runs during the year at an average of 64.37 and a strike rate of 105.53. His nine games have only come in 2024.

Meanwhile, Gurbaz scored 531 runs in 11 matches at an average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 89.69. He has scored 3 hundreds and 2 fifties. He played a key role in Afghanistan’s historic ODI series win over Afghanistan and emerged as the best run-getter in the series.

ICC MEN’S ODI TEAM OF THE YEAR. pic.twitter.com/0ZhkvMDDqT

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 24, 2025

More to follow…