ICC Reveals Men’s ODI Team Of The Year 2024; Indian Players Find No Place

The International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the highly anticipated Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 on January 24, 2025, celebrating a year of exceptional performances by cricketers from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. This announcement underscores a significant shift in the balance of power in the ODI format, highlighting the growing prowess of emerging cricketing nations and the resurgence of traditional underdogs.

In a surprising turn of events, the team conspicuously lacks players from cricketing powerhouses like India, Australia, South Africa, and England, sparking conversations about the changing landscape of international cricket.

India’s Disappointing Year in ODIs

India’s exclusion from the ICC ODI Team of the Year was perhaps the most striking aspect of the announcement. The Men in Blue, once considered giants of the format, played just three ODIs in 2024, losing all of them to a resurgent Sri Lankan side. This marked a year of missed opportunities and lackluster performances, particularly in a format they have historically excelled in.

India’s absence, alongside the exclusion of players from Australia, England, and South Africa, signals a paradigm shift. Teams like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan stepped up to dominate the format, making 2024 a year for the rising stars of cricket.

The ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024

Here’s a closer look at the players who made the cut, representing the cream of the crop in ODI cricket for 2024.

Openers: Saim Ayub (Pakistan) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)

Saim Ayub (Pakistan)
The left-handed prodigy emerged as one of Pakistan’s brightest talents in 2024, scoring 515 runs in nine matches at a stellar average of 64.67. Ayub’s fearless stroke play, particularly his century against Zimbabwe, showcased his ability to dominate bowling attacks. His contributions were pivotal in Pakistan’s success throughout the year.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)
Afghanistan’s dynamic opener had a remarkable year, amassing 531 runs in 11 matches. Known for his aggressive starts, Gurbaz’s innings against Ireland and South Africa were standout moments. His fearless approach at the top of the order often set the tone for Afghanistan’s innings, making him a vital cog in their ODI setup.

Middle Order: Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, and Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)

Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
Batting at No. 3, Nissanka was a picture of consistency, scoring a phenomenal 694 runs in 12 matches at an average of 106. His ability to hold the innings together while accelerating when needed was crucial to Sri Lanka’s resurgence in ODIs.
Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) – Captain
Asalanka, the Sri Lankan skipper, led from the front with 742 runs in 17 matches. His ability to anchor innings, coupled with his tactical acumen, made him an obvious choice to captain the ICC ODI XI. Asalanka’s leadership was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s dominant performances in 2024.
Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka) – Wicketkeeper
Mendis matched Asalanka’s run tally with 742 runs in 17 matches, proving his mettle as a middle-order stalwart and an adept wicketkeeper. His ability to adapt to different match situations added depth to Sri Lanka’s lineup, making him a dual threat with the bat and behind the stumps.

All-Rounders: Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies) and Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)

Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies)
Playing the role of a finisher, Rutherford was a revelation for the West Indies. He scored 429 runs in nine matches at a phenomenal strike rate of 120, with an average of 106. His ability to finish games under pressure made him one of the standout players of the year.
Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
A reliable all-rounder, Omarzai contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 417 runs in 12 matches and picking up 17 wickets. His versatility made him a key player for Afghanistan, capable of changing the course of a match in either discipline.

Spinners: Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) and Allah Ghazanfar (Afghanistan)

Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
Hasaranga’s spin magic continued to mesmerize batsmen in 2024, as he claimed 26 wickets in 10 matches, including a career-best 7/19. His ability to pick wickets in the middle overs was crucial to Sri Lanka’s success, making him one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket.
Allah Ghazanfar (Afghanistan)
The teenage sensation made headlines with 21 wickets in 11 matches, displaying exceptional control and maturity. Ghazanfar’s rise has added a new dimension to Afghanistan’s bowling attack, making them a formidable force in ODIs.

Pacers: Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan) and Haris Rauf (Pakistan)

Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
Afridi continued to dominate with the new ball, taking 15 wickets in six matches. His lethal opening spells often dismantled opposition top orders, reaffirming his status as one of the premier fast bowlers in the world.
Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
Complementing Afridi, Rauf delivered consistently for Pakistan, picking up 13 wickets in eight matches. His ability to generate pace and pick wickets at crucial junctures made him a key player in Pakistan’s ODI setup.

The Dominance of Emerging Teams

The composition of the ICC ODI Team of the Year reflects a shift in the cricketing landscape. The dominance of players from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan underscores the rise of emerging cricketing nations and the increasing competitiveness of ODI cricket.

Sri Lanka’s Resurgence

Sri Lanka’s resurgence in 2024 was powered by their formidable middle order and spin attack, led by Asalanka, Nissanka, and Hasaranga. Their ability to outperform traditional powerhouses like India and Australia highlights the depth of talent in their ranks.

Afghanistan’s Rise

Afghanistan’s inclusion of three players in the ODI XI is a testament to their rapid progress in international cricket. With talents like Gurbaz, Omarzai, and Ghazanfar, Afghanistan has cemented its status as a serious contender in ODI cricket.

Pakistan’s Powerhouse Performances

Pakistan’s strong representation, with three players in the team, reflects their consistency and dominance in 2024. The pace duo of Afridi and Rauf, along with young star Saim Ayub, played a pivotal role in their success.

The ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 is a celebration of emerging talent and the changing dynamics of international cricket. With players from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan taking center stage, this year’s selection serves as a reminder of the sport’s unpredictability and global appeal.

As cricket continues to evolve, the rise of new powerhouses promises an exciting future for the game. The performances of these players have not only elevated their teams but have also inspired a new generation of cricketers. The ICC ODI Team of the Year is a fitting tribute to their brilliance, and fans eagerly await what lies ahead in 2025.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/