The International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 on Friday, which includes three Pakistani players: batter Saim Ayub and pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.
According to the official statement, “The ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 offers not just quality, but also a strong balance of star power, consistency, and versatility.”
Saim Ayub scored 515 ODI runs in nine matches, with a highest score of 113. Despite making his debut only in November, Ayub made an immediate impact, amassing 125 runs in three ODIs in Australia, followed by his maiden ODI century in Zimbabwe. Three of his last five innings included centuries, including two in South Africa in December, where he averaged 78.3.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, despite playing only six ODIs in 2024, had a significant impact, maintaining one of the best bowling strike rates in world cricket and establishing himself as a consistent international performer.
Haris Rauf concluded 2024 on a high, taking 10 wickets across Pakistan’s three-ODI series in Australia, including a five-wicket haul in Adelaide during a match the touring team won comfortably.
The ICC Team also features Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Am Ghazanfar, along with Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka (captain), Sherfane Rutherford, and Wanindu Hasaranga.
