Pakistan’s cricketing trio—Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Shah Afridi—have earned spots in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024, a recognition of their outstanding performances over the past year.
The ICC praised the team for its “quality, star power, consistency, and versatility,” with the 11-member squad showcasing a strong mix of international talent. The team features a significant presence of Sri Lankan cricketers, followed by Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the West Indies. Charith Asalanka of Sri Lanka has been named the captain.
Left-handed batter Saim Ayub, who made his ODI debut in November, was one of the standout performers. Ayub accumulated 515 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 64.37. His remarkable year included three centuries and a half-century, with notable performances in Zimbabwe and South Africa. His recent form, particularly in South Africa, saw him score two centuries in a three-match series, where he averaged 78.3.
Shaheen Shah Afridi also made a significant impact in 2024. The left-arm fast bowler excelled in the South Africa series, taking 15 wickets in six matches, with his best figures being 4/47. The ICC highlighted Afridi’s excellent strike rate and his consistency as one of the world’s best bowlers. Despite playing only six ODIs, Afridi’s ability to change the course of games with his pace earned him a spot in the prestigious lineup.
Haris Rauf was another key player in Pakistan’s success, taking 13 wickets in eight matches last year. His best performance came with a 5/29 spell, and he was instrumental in Pakistan’s series win in Australia. Rauf’s standout performance in Adelaide, where he claimed a five-for, was one of the year’s highlights.
