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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced its list of nominees for the Women Cricketers of the Year Awards 2024highlighting players who have left an indelible mark on the world of cricket with their remarkable skills and match-winning performances across all formats. The list celebrates those who have consistently excelled on the global stage, contributing significantly to their teams’ successes throughout the year.
However, one surprising omission has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike: the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team. Smriti Mandhanawidely regarded as one of the best batsmen in the game, he failed to make the cut. This unexpected exclusion has sparked widespread debate and discussion, with many questioning the criteria and fairness of the selection process.
The nominees and their stellar performances
Chamari Athapatthu of Sri Lanka has earned a nomination due to his leadership and integral contributions. He scored over 720 runs in T20Is at an average of 41.27 and took 21 wickets, playing a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s maiden Asia Cup triumph. He also amassed 458 runs in 9 ODIs, with an unbeaten 195 being his best.
In the same way, Amelia Kerr of New Zealand has been nominated for her outstanding year, particularly highlighted by her performance in the T20 World Cup, where she was the top wicket-taker with 29 wickets and scored 387 runs. His all-round skills have been vital for New Zealand. He also scored 264 runs in 9 ODIs with a fifty.
from Australia Annabelle Sutherland has also secured a place on the list, having scored 651 runs and taken 43 wickets across all formats. His performances in the T20 World Cup and consistent show in ODIs have been key for Australia.
Captain of South Africa Laura Wolfhardt he also makes the cut, leading with the bat in the T20 World Cup and scoring over 1,500 runs in all formats. His leadership in guiding South Africa to their second consecutive T20 World Cup final has been commendable.
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The omission of Smriti Mandhana
Despite leading the scoring charts in both ODIs and T20Is, Mandhana failed to get a nomination for the award. He scored 747 runs in ODIs at an average of 57.46, including four centuries, and 763 in T20Is at an average of 42.38. He even played a single test and scored 149 runs. His absence from the list has caused significant discussion, with many fans and pundits questioning the selection criteria.
Mandhana’s performances throughout the year were outstanding but she was overlooked for the nomination, leading to debates on social media platforms where cricket enthusiasts expressed their shock and disappointment. Some argued that his consistent scoring and the impact he had on matches should have made him a contender for the award.
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This article was first published in WomenCricket.coma Cricket time company
