Pakistani cricketer Babar Azam has earned a spot in the prestigious ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year for his outstanding performances throughout 2024.
Over the course of the year, Azam scored 738 runs in 24 matches, including six half-centuries, with his highest score being 75. He finished with an impressive average of 33.54. Notably, Azam is the only Pakistani player to be included in this esteemed lineup.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) highlighted Babar’s exceptional start to the year, particularly his three consecutive half-centuries against New Zealand. The ICC lauded his ability to perform under pressure and his consistent form across all formats, cementing his reputation as one of international cricket’s top players.
The team, captained by India’s Rohit Sharma, also features notable Indian players such as all-rounder Hardik Pandya, pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
Australia’s Travis Head earned his place in the team after playing a crucial role in his side’s T20I success, with a strike rate nearing 180. Head scored four half-centuries, including a standout 80 against Scotland, showcasing his versatility against both pace and spin.
England’s Phil Salt, with 467 runs from 17 matches, also made the cut. Salt’s remarkable innings included an unbeaten 87 against the West Indies in the T20 World Cup and a match-winning 103* in a bilateral series, elevating him to the second spot in the T20I batting rankings.
West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran rounded out the squad after amassing 464 runs in 21 matches. Pooran’s ability to accelerate in the middle overs and finish strong was vital, with a standout performance of 98 off 53 balls against Afghanistan.
