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The ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year Award has been a prestigious accolade in the world of cricket since its inception in 2004. Presented annually by the International Cricket Council (ICC), this award honors the player with best performance in One Day Internationals (ODIs). ) during a certain period. The award not only highlights individual brilliance but also reflects the evolution and competitiveness of ODI cricket.
On 27 January 2025, Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai was crowned the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year, marking a major milestone for both him and Afghanistan cricket. His selection was based on an impressive year where he emerged as a standout performer, contributing significantly to his team’s successes in several series. Omarzai finished the year as Afghanistan’s second-highest run-scorer and run-getter, leading his team to victories against formidable opponents like South Africa and Bangladesh. His performances included a remarkable unbeaten 149 against Sri Lanka and crucial contributions in tight matches, showing his ability to deliver when it mattered most.
This recent accolade not only celebrates Omarzai’s individual excellence, but also underlines Afghanistan’s growing stature in international cricket. As we delve into the winners of this esteemed award over the years, we’ll explore their achievements and contributions to the sport, starting with Andrew Flintoff, the inaugural winner.
Andrew Flintoff: The inaugural winner
In 2004, Flintoff, England’s charismatic all-rounder, became the first winner of the ICC’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award. His selection was a testament to his outstanding performances in One Day Internationals (ODIs) during the assessment period from 1 August 2003 to 31 July 2004. Flintoff’s statistics were impressive : Scored 633 runs at an average of 78.71 and took 16 wickets. averaging 20.50 in 12 matches. In particular, he scored a remarkable top score of 123 runs against the West Indies at Lord’s, showing his ability to perform under pressure.
Flintoff’s journey to this award was marked by a significant turning point in his career. After struggling with injuries and inconsistent performances early in his career, he became a key player for England. His all-round capabilities, combining explosive batting with effective bowling, made him a valuable asset to the team. Flintoff’s impact extended beyond statistics; he played a crucial role in England’s success in several series, including the memorable Ashes series in 2005, where he was instrumental in bringing back the trophy from Australia.
Despite facing challenges later in his career, including injuries and personal problems, Flintoff’s legacy as a cricketer remains significant. He retired from all forms of cricket in 2010 but left behind a rich history of achievements and contributions to English cricket.
Virat Kohli: The most decorated player
Virat Kohlithe Indian batting maestro, holds the record for the most ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year awards, having won it four times (2012, 2017, 2018 and 2023). Kohli’s dominance in ODIs is characterized by his remarkable consistency and ability to chase down targets. His aggressive batting style and exceptional technique have made him one of the leading run-scorers in ODI history.
Kohli’s first win came in 2012 where he scored over 1000 runs at an average of over 68. This performance set the stage for his future accolades. In 2017, he amassed 1,460 runs at an average of 76.84, proving his ability to perform year after year at an elite level. His third win of 2018 further cemented his status as one of cricket’s greats; he scored over 1,200 runs at an astonishing average of 133.55.
Kohli’s most recent award came in 2023, where he continued to showcase his prowess with another stellar performance that included significant contributions throughout the year. His ability to adapt to various conditions and maintain high standards has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers around the world.
READ also: ICC names Azmatullah Omarzai as Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024
Azmatullah Omarzai: Afghanistan’s new star
As of 27 January 2025, the most recent winner of the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year award is Omarzai of Afghanistan for his performances in the year prior to that date. Omarzai’s rise in international cricket has been meteoric; he has become a key player for Afghanistan because of his all-round capabilities.
In 2024, Omarzai showcased his talent by contributing significantly with both bat and ball. He played crucial innings that helped Afghanistan to clinch vital victories against stronger teams. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning performances has caught the attention of cricket fans and analysts alike.
Omarzai’s recognition as ODI Cricketer of the Year highlights not only his individual achievements but also reflects Afghanistan’s growing presence in international cricket. As a young player making waves on the global stage, Omarzai represents a new generation of cricketers who are pushing boundaries and inspiring the future talents of emerging cricketing nations.
A journey through time: the list of winners
| year | winner | Notable achievements |
| 2004 | Andrew Flintoff (CAT) | 633 tracks, 16 ports |
| 2005 | Kevin Pietersen (CAT) | 784 runs, average 65.33 |
| 2006 | Michael Hussey (AUS) | 784 runs, an average of 56 |
| 2007 | Matthew Hayden (AUS) | 1601 runs, average 59.29 |
| 2008 | MS Dhoni (IND) | 1097 runs, average 57.73 |
| 2009 | MS Dhoni (IND) | 967 runs, average of 60.43f |
| 2010 | AB de Villiers (SA) | 964 runs, average 80.33 |
| 2011 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 1127 runs, average 51.22 |
| 2012 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 1026 runs, average 68.40 |
| 2013 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 1201 runs, average 63.21 |
| 2014 | AB de Villiers (SA) | 879 runs, average 73.25 |
| 2015 | AB de Villiers (SA) | 1193 runs, average 79.53 |
| 2016 | Quinton de Kock (SA) | 857 runs, average 57.13 |
| 2017 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 1460 runs, average 76.84 |
| 2018 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 1202 runs, average 133.55 |
| 2019 | Rohit Sharma (IND) | 1490 runs, average 57.30 |
| 2021 | Babar Azam (PAK) | 405 runs, average 67.50 |
| 2022 | Babar Azam (PAK) | 679 runs, average 84.87 |
| 2023 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 1,377 runs, average 72.47 |
Dominance of the Indian stars
India has produced remarkable talents who have left an indelible mark on ODI cricket, being the country with the most ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year awards. Kohli stands as the most decorated player in this category with four awards under his belt (2012, 2017, 2018 and most recently in 2023), demonstrating consistent excellence across different eras of cricket.
MS Dhonianother Indian legend, he made history by becoming the first player to win back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009. His leadership and batting prowess have significantly influenced India’s success in ODIs.
The ICC’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award not only celebrates individual brilliance, but also signifies the evolution of cricket as a sport that continues to inspire millions around the world. As we look forward to the upcoming seasons, it will be exciting to see which emerging talents will join this illustrious roster and who will continue to dominate the game like their predecessors. The legacy continues with each passing year as players strive for excellence on the field, leaving their mark on cricketing history.
