ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year 2024: Full Squad, Player Stats & Analysis
The ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 has been announced, honoring the top performers in the 50-over format. In a surprising twist, no players from cricketing giants like India, Australia, England, or South Africa made the cut. Instead, the team is heavily represented by players from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, showcasing their rise in international cricket.
In this article, we provide a detailed analysis of the selected squad, key performances, and what this means for the future of ODI cricket.
ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year 2024 – Full List
Saim Ayub (Pakistan) – Opener
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan) – Opener
Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka) – Top-order batsman
Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka) – Wicketkeeper-batsman
Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) – Captain and middle-order batsman
Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies) – All-rounder
Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan) – All-rounder
Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – All-rounder
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan) – Fast bowler
Haris Rauf (Pakistan) – Fast bowler
Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar (Afghanistan) – Spinner
Key Highlights of the ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024
1. Absence of Indian and Australian Players
A major talking point of the 2024 ODI team is the lack of representation from India and Australia. Both teams had a quiet year in ODI cricket, playing only a handful of matches. India played just three ODIs against Sri Lanka and struggled to make an impact, while Australia focused more on T20 leagues and Test cricket, leading to their players being overlooked.
2. Dominance of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan
The selected squad features a strong presence of players from Sri Lanka (4), Pakistan (3), and Afghanistan (3), reflecting their consistent performances throughout the year.
Sri Lanka: Led by Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan players have shown tremendous form in bilateral series and ICC events.
Afghanistan: The Afghan trio of Gurbaz, Omarzai, and Ghazanfar proved their mettle with outstanding contributions in both batting and bowling.
Pakistan: Pakistan's pace duo, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, were instrumental in their team's success with their lethal bowling.
3. Rising Stars Shine in 2024
The inclusion of young talents like Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar and Saim Ayub reflects the growing influence of emerging cricketing nations. These players have impressed with their performances in key tournaments, signaling a bright future for their respective teams.
ICC ODI Team 2024: Player Analysis and Stats
Here's a closer look at the standout players in the squad and their contributions:
1. Saim Ayub (Pakistan) – Explosive Opener
Known for his attacking approach at the top of the order.
Provided quick starts in powerplays, setting the foundation for Pakistan’s batting.
2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan) – Wicketkeeper-Opener
A hard-hitting batsman who consistently gave Afghanistan strong starts.
Aggressive stroke play and impressive glove work behind the stumps.
3. Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka) – Reliable Batsman
Anchored Sri Lanka's innings with his solid technique and consistency.
Key contributor in several successful run chases.
4. Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka) – Wicketkeeper-Batsman
Excelled with the bat and behind the stumps.
A dependable middle-order batter who played crucial innings under pressure.
5. Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) – Captain & Middle-Order Maestro
Led from the front with tactical acumen and steady performances.
Scored vital runs in crunch situations.
6. Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies) – Power Hitter
A valuable finisher capable of accelerating the scoring in the death overs.
His all-round abilities added depth to the squad.
7. Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan) – All-Round Sensation
Impressed with his balance of power-hitting and handy medium-pace bowling.
Played key roles in tight matches.
8. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – Spin Wizard
A game-changer with both bat and ball.
Consistently provided breakthroughs with his leg-spin.
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan) – Strike Bowler
Led Pakistan’s bowling attack with his aggressive pace and accuracy.
Known for his ability to take early wickets.
10. Haris Rauf (Pakistan) – Death Over Specialist
Excelled with his raw pace and variations.
Effective in the final overs with his yorkers and slower balls.
11. Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar (Afghanistan) – Young Spin Sensation
The newest spin prodigy making a mark on the international stage.
Showed great control and composure in crucial moments.
Impact of This Selection on Global Cricket
The selection of players from rising cricketing nations highlights the changing dynamics of international cricket. The emergence of Afghanistan and the resurgence of Sri Lanka signal a shift in power, while traditional teams like India and Australia need to rethink their ODI strategies.
This selection also encourages more investments in cricket infrastructure in emerging countries, providing opportunities for young talent to shine on the global stage.
Fan Reactions and Expert Opinions
The announcement of the ODI Team of the Year has sparked debates and discussions among cricket fans and experts.
Many fans from India and Australia expressed disappointment over the absence of their favorite players.
Cricket analysts praised the ICC for recognizing performances over reputations, highlighting the growth of nations like Afghanistan.
Former cricketers applauded the young players, emphasizing the importance of nurturing new talent.
What Lies Ahead for ODI Cricket?
With the rise of T20 cricket, the ODI format faces stiff competition in terms of viewership and scheduling. However, the performances of these players demonstrate that ODIs still hold significant importance in the cricketing landscape.
As teams gear up for the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, it will be interesting to see how they adapt and whether teams like India and Australia can reclaim their dominance in the 50-over format.
Conclusion
The ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 is a testament to the evolving cricketing world, where emerging teams are stepping up and delivering outstanding performances. The selections highlight consistency, hard work, and the changing dynamics of ODI cricket.
Do you agree with the ICC's selections? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
0 Comments