Babar Azam Named in ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year

Pakistani cricket sensation Babar Azam has earned a spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year, standing out as the only player from Pakistan to make the elite lineup.

Azam’s exceptional performance in 2024 saw him score 738 runs in 24 matches, boasting six half-centuries and a highest score of 75, with an average of 33.54 runs. The ICC highlighted his consistent excellence and ability to deliver under pressure, noting his stellar start to the year, which included three consecutive fifties against New Zealand.

“The 30-year-old’s ability to perform under pressure and his consistency across formats reaffirmed his status as one of the finest players in international cricket,” the ICC stated.

The team is captained by India’s Rohit Sharma, with fellow Indians Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh also making the cut.

Australia’s Travis Head was included for his remarkable strike rate of nearly 180, featuring four half-centuries, including a standout 80 against Scotland. England’s Phil Salt made his mark with 467 runs in 17 matches, highlighted by an unbeaten 87 in the T20 World Cup and a 103* in a bilateral series.

Nicholas Pooran of the West Indies joined the squad after scoring 464 runs in 21 matches. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs and deliver strong finishes was evident in performances like his 98 off 53 balls against Afghanistan.