ICC awards Archives

Fakhar Zaman named ICC Player of the Month for April 2023

DUBAI: Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman on Tuesday won the ICC Player of the Month award for April 2023 after his outstanding performances in the recently-held home series against New Zealand.

The left-handed batter overcame tough competition from Sri Lanka spin wizard Prabath Jayasuriya, and emerging New Zealand batter Mark Chapman to clinch the award.

The 33-year-old scored back-to-back centuries in the first two ODIs between Pakistan and New Zealand and made his claim to a host of individual records during the series.

He became the fastest batter not just from the country but from Asia to complete 3000 ODI runs and just the fourth Pakistan batter after Saeed Anwar, Zaheer Abbas and Babar(twice) to hit three centuries in three straight games.

Fakhar Zaman played a marathon knock of 180 not out – the highest by any Pakistan batter in a successful run chase – in the second ODI in Rawalpindi to help the Green Shirts chase down their second-highest total in ODIs.

He displayed similar exploits in the first match at the same venue where he scored 117 to lead the way for Pakistan in their 289-run chase.

Following his run-scoring spree, Fakhar also moved to the no.2 spot behind skipper Babar Azam on the ICC ODI Men’s Players’ Rankings.

The left-hander started the month with a rapid 47 in the first T20I in Lahore against New Zealand, playing a part in the home side’s thumping 88-run victory.

“It is truly an honour for me to be named ICC Player of the Month for April,” said Fakhar as quoted by the ICC.

“This month has been one of the highlights of my career and it was an amazing feeling to play in front of my own people in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi.

“I really enjoyed scoring back-to-back centuries in Rawalpindi, but my favourite was the 180 not out in the second match.

“I hope to continue the momentum leading into the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, and make Pakistan cricket fans happy and proud with my performances.”

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Shakib Al Hasan named ICC Player of the Month for March 2023

DUBAI: Bangladesh veteran Shakib Al Hasan has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for his stellar performances in March 2023.

“Shakib overcame tough competition from Kane Williamson of New Zealand and Asif Khan of UAE to walk away with the coveted prize,” said ICC in a media release on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old led Bangladesh from the front during their unforgettable home season when they recorded a historic 3-0 clean sweep over the reigning Men’s T20 World Champions England.

He dismissed a batter in each of the three T20Is while finishing the game for his side in the first match with an unbeaten 24-ball 34.

Earlier, the talismanic all-rounder also finished both as the highest run-scorer and wicket-taker for Bangladesh during the ODI series against England. In his side’s only win of the series, Shakib starred with a 71-ball 75 and followed it up with a four-for to take the Player of the Match award.

He was already in his prime when Ireland visited Bangladesh, thus, the veteran played a match-winning 93 in the first ODI. Later in the second T20I of the series, he scored a 24-ball 38* and then went to pick up five wickets inside the Powerplay in a dominating all-round display.

In the 12 games played in March, Shakib amassed 353 runs and picked up 15 wickets.

After winning the award for the second time, Shakib thanked the panel that voted for him ahead of a pair of his competitors.

“I am honoured to win the award and would like to thank the expert panellists who have voted for me,” he said.

“This is a recognition I greatly value because there are so many special performances in a month from a number of amazing cricketers.

“If I was to pick my highlight from the past month, it has to be the T20 series sweep against England and, with the team continuing to perform beautifully as a unit in all departments, it is easier for me now to concentrate on my role and contribute.”

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Nida Dar receives ICC T20I team of the year cap

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan veteran all-rounder Nida Dar received the commemorative cap of the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year.

Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee Najam Sethi presented the cap to Dar during the third exhibition match of the Women’s League on Saturday.

She was included in the Women’s T20I team of the year announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in January following her all-round exploits last year.

The 36-year-old was also nominated for the ICC Women’s T20I Player of the Year award. She produced some outstanding performances for Pakistan in last year’s Women’s Asia Cup, where the all-rounder scored 145 runs in six matches at a phenomenal average of 72.50, and also grabbed eight wickets at a meagre 14.87 runs a piece.

She played a crucial role in Pakistan Women’s team’s sensational win against arch-rivals India as she raised an unbeaten 56 and then returned excellent bowling figures of 2/23. Her brilliance with both bat and ball steered Pakistan to the semi-finals, where they eventually lost to Sri Lanka by just a run.

With 15 wickets at an average of 18.33 and an economy rate of 5.50 in T20Is in 2022, veteran off-spinner Dar enjoyed one of the best bowling years in her career.

It may be noted here that the final game of the three exhibition matches is currently underway at Pindi Cricket Stadium where Dar-led Super Women play Bismah Maroof-led Amazons.

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Babar Azam shows off his ICC accolades

LAHORE: Pakistan captain Babar Azam showed off his individual accolades following his dominance in last year’s ICC Awards.

Taking to his Twitter, ICC Cricketer of the Year Babar posed with Sir Garfield Trophy for the ICC Cricketer of the Year, ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year awards (2021 and 2022) and commemorative caps for making it to the Test, ODI and T20I Teams of the Year 2022.

“You are your own magic,” wrote Babar as he shared an elegant picture of him with the ICC silverware.

You are your own magic 🪄 pic.twitter.com/2VO1c4YZLn

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) February 2, 2023

Notably, the Pakistan captain, who headlined the ICC Awards 2022, received the two coveted trophies from the PCB management committee chair and ICC Director Najam Sethi at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

Babar had an unforgettable year with the bat in Tests as he was the only player to breach the 2000-run mark in the calendar year 2022. His 2598 runs from 44 matches came at an average of 54.12, which included eight centuries and 15 fifties.

The right-handed batter was equally impressive in the shorter format as the top-ranked ODI batter, who has been ruling the rankings chart since July 2021, accumulated 679 runs in nine matches.

Babar carried on his astounding form in the 50-over format and crossed the fifty-plus score eight times and converted three of those into centuries. Babar finished the year with a stunning average of 84.87.

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Ponting heaps praises on Babar for winning double ICC Awards

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting hailed star batter Babar Azam, who bagged two major ICC men’s cricket awards, saying he is on the ‘upward curve’ and may end up as Pakistan’s ‘all-time greatest’.

Pakistan skipper Babar, who enjoyed a remarkable year with the bat in all three formats, on Thursday claimed the ICC ODI Men’s Cricketer of the Year Award before getting his hand on the most coveted Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year for 2022.

Speaking on the latest episode of The ICC Review, Ponting heaped praises on Babar, highlighting his sound foundation and adaptability as factors that contributed to his meteoric rise across each format.

“Technically, he’s very good,” said the two-time World Cup-winning captain as quoted by ICC.

“He plays spin bowling very well, he plays fast bowling really well, and he’s been able to adapt to different conditions across the world – which is what separates the great players from the good players.”

“The great players are also very strong mentally. You’ve only got to look at when he plays, how long he bats for in Test matches, how he controls the innings in one-day games, how he’s sort of got the ability to go up and down the gears as a batsman when the game and the situation needs him to.”

Ponting, however, expressed that the right-handed batter was probably not at his peak, adding that “most batters come into their prime in the start of their early thirties.”

“You’re sort of working on your game and improving your game right through to a certain point. And that for most guys is it. You look at where Steve Smith and (David) Warner and those guys have been. Steve Smith is probably playing as well as he’s ever played now, along with guys like Kane Williamson as well in their early thirties.

“So I think Babar’s still got a little bit of improvement to come, which is a pretty scary thought with what he’s been able to do, pretty much across all three formats over the last three, four years. I love watching him play. I think there’s some room for improvement, let’s hope we see it.”

Babar had an unforgettable year with the bat as he was the only player to breach the 2000-run mark in the calendar year 2022. His 2598 runs from 44 matches came at an average of 54.12, which included eight centuries and 15 fifties.

The 28-year-old, who has been ruling the ODI chart since July 2021, is in the top five rankings across each format while his consistent performances earned him a place in the ICC Test Team of the Year besides leading the ICC ODI Team of the Year for the second time in a row.

Babar’s exceptional batting class is much more than just the numbers as it came with the additional burden of captaining the side in all three formats.

Pakistan claimed 14 wins from 26 matches through 2022, including eight out of nine victories in ODIs, under Babar’s leadership. He also led his team to the T20 World Cup final last year.

Ponting believed Babar had a lot to improve on the captaincy front especially his ability to handle pressure in tense encounters.

“He looked like he got a little bit flustered at times at the T20 World Cup, certainly the game against India when things got really tight at the end,” said Ponting while admitting “being a captain of the T20 team is never an easy thing to do.”

“I’m sure with a bit more experience under his belt, like he’s done with his batting, I’m sure he’ll find the right way to lead and be a very successful captain of Pakistan,” he added.

Furthermore, the ex-Australian captain opines that the Pakistan skipper may rank among the best cricketers Pakistan has ever produced by the time he ends his career.

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Richard Illingworth named ICC Umpire of the Year 2022

DUBAI: England-hailed Richard Illingworth bagged David Shepherd Trophy for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Umpire of the Year 2022, the cricket governing body announced on Thursday.

Illingworth, who officiated 24 international matches in 2022 was adjudged the best umpire for the consistency of his decisions and his communications and relations with teams and their captains.

“I am very honoured to receive the ICC Umpire of the Year award. Many people, coaches, colleagues and management have contributed to my development over my career as a player and umpire. Their input has been substantial and invaluable and I’m forever grateful to them,” said Illingworth in a statement released by the ICC.

“I continue to be passionate about cricket and after many years in the professional game, I will continue to learn and develop. I’d also like to thank my family who have given me such great support over the years to enable me to go out and enjoy my umpiring around the world,” added Illingworth.

It is pertinent to mention that Illingworth won the Umpire of the Year award for the second time after first winning it in 2019.

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‘Can’t express my feelings in words,’ says ICC Cricketer of the Year Babar

LAHORE: Pakistan all-format captain Babar Azam opened up after winning the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Cricketer of the Year Award 2022.

Pakistan skipper Babar, who enjoyed a remarkable year with the bat in all three formats, bagged the ICC ODI Men’s Cricketer of the Year Award before getting his hand on the most coveted award – Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year for 2022.

The right-handed batter also featured in the ICC ODI and Test Team of the Year 2022 and became only the second cricketer to be named in all formats of ICC Team of the Year.

Following his dominance in this year’s ICC Awards, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a video of the Pakistan captain expressing his delight for soaring high in the ICC Awards.

“It is an honour for me to win this award. I can’t express my happiness in words because I’m now part of an elusive list of legends who have won this award,” said Babar.

“My family, teammates and fans deserve credit for this award since they have always supported me,” he maintained.

Babar also credited his consistent performances throughout the year for winning prestigious awards while also thanking the International Cricket Council (ICC) for acknowledging his efforts.

“There is a lot of hard work behind this award since you have to perform consistently in both home and away conditions,” he said. “There is a lot of cricket happening these days and you have to quickly switch between formats. However, this helps in improving a player’s performance since he becomes mentally strong while also ensuring proper focus on fitness.”

“Winning this award gives me confidence and I will try to continue performing in the same manner in the future as well. I also want to thank the ICC for considering me as a suitable choice for this award,” he concluded.

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Najam Sethi hails Babar Azam on winning ICC Awards

LAHORE: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Najam Sethi heaped praise on Pakistan skipper Babar Azam for prevailing in the recently-announced ICC Awards 2022.

The right-handed batter also featured in the ICC ODI and Test Team of the Year 2022 and became only the second cricketer to be named in all formats of ICC Team of the Year.

Following his dominance in this year’s ICC Awards, PCB management committee Chair Sethi hailed the Pakistan skipper and stated that the latter made the whole nation proud.

“Babar Azam made the whole nation proud by winning the most prestigious ICC Awards,” said Sethi.

Sethi also termed Babar a role model for all the young cricketers in the country.

“Babar Azam’s performance and achievements are a reward for his hard work, dedication and determination and he’s a beacon for all the young cricketers of Pakistan,” Sethi praised.

Furthermore, Sethi also congratulated Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan and Nida Dar for being named in the ICC Men’s and Women’s T20 Team of the Year.

“On behalf of PCB, I also congratulate Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan and Nida Dar for being named in the Men’s and Women’s T20 Team of the Year,” said Sethi.

“I am sure that these ICC awards will motivate the entire Pakistan cricket team to perform well this year,” he concluded.

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Babar Azam wins Sir Garfield Sobers ICC Cricketer of the Year Award

DUBAI: Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam bagged Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year for 2022.

Babar, who was earlier named ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year, has now made his claim on the most coveted ICC award, overpowering England’s Ben Stokes, New Zealand’s Tim Southee and Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza – the other three competitors on the list.

Meanwhile, the star batter became the second Pakistani player to claim the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy after fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who received the award last year.

“The winner of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year had a year to remember in 2022.” said ICC in a media release on Thursday.

“The 2021 ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year continued to rule in the 50-over format, scoring 679 runs in nine matches. It is a testament to his consistency that he registered scores of 50 or more in eight of those innings. He continues to hold on to his top spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings and it was no surprise to see the 28-year-old crowned the ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year for a second consecutive year.”

Ben Stokes bags ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award

DUBAI: England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has been named ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for 2022.

Stokes, who had a formidable year in the longest format captaining his side to nine victories from 10 matches since he took the job in mid-2022, overshadowed other competitors on the list to win the coveted award.

“One player defined the year of Test cricket more than any other in 2022 and is the clear and deserving winner of the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year” said ICC in a media release on Thursday.

Having a tough contest with his compatriot Jonny Bairstow, Australia’s red-ball run machine Usman Khawaja and South Africa’s fierce pacer Kagiso Rabada, Stokes stood out owing to his meteoric rise as the saviour of English Test side and a modern-day attacking approach – often dubbed as Bazball – that he injected into the oldest format of the game with help of head coach Brendon McCullum.

Besides an awe-inspiring journey as a team leader, the all-rounder accumulated 870 runs, averaging 36.25 and took 26 wickets at an average of 31.19 during last year. He notched up two centuries as well in this period.

“On the basis of his numbers alone, England’s talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes had an excellent year in the whites of international Test cricket,” said ICC’s media release.

“Since taking over as England captain, Stokes has led the team to nine wins from 10 Tests, completing series victories over New Zealand and South Africa at home, beating India in the one-off postponed Test to level the series at 2-2, and hammering Pakistan 3-0 away from home – England’s best ever margin of victory in the country.”

“Prior to his appointment as captain, England had been beaten in each of their four most recent completed series and had won just one of their previous 17 Tests.”

It is pertinent to mention that Stokes was also named captain of the ICC Test Team of the Year, announced earlier on Tuesday.

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