Arshdeep Singh Wins ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year

Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh has been named the ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year for 2024, capping off a stellar year for the 25-year-old bowler. Singh played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup victory in the Caribbean and USA, taking 36 wickets in 18 matches at an average of 15.31.

Singh's impressive performance made him one of the most reliable powerplay and death bowlers in the game. He was also part of India's team that won the World Cup Final in Barbados, where he took 2/20 from four overs and played a vital role in defending a total of 176 against South Africa. Other nominees for the award included Pakistan's Babar Azam, Australia's Travis Head, and Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza.

The T20 World Cup saw impressive performances from several players, including Rohit Sharma, who led India to their first T20 World Cup title in over a decade, scoring 378 runs in 11 matches at an average of 42.00 and a strike rate of 160.16. Travis Head topped the runs list with 539 runs, averaging 38.50 and hitting four half-centuries, while Phil Salt was a consistent performer, scoring 467 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate of 164.43.

Babar Azam accumulated 738 runs, five half-centuries, and a 33.54 average, making him one of the top performers of the year. Other notable players included Nicholas Pooran, Sikandar Raza, and Hardik Pandya, who all had impressive seasons. Rashid Khan was also exceptional, taking 31 wickets at an average of 9.58, and has been named as the runner-up in the ICC Men's T20I All-Rounder Rankings.

The award is a testament to Arshdeep Singh's hard work and dedication to the sport, and he will look to continue his impressive form in the upcoming season. With the ICC Men's T20I All-Rounder Rankings also announced, Indian players have made a strong showing, with Hardik Pandya and Rashid Khan featuring prominently in the list.