The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the nominees for the  Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024 award, featuring standout performances from India’s Arshdeep Singh, Pakistan’s Babar Azam, Australia’s Travis Head, and Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza. Notably, India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma and star pacer Jasprit Bumrah were omitted from the list, sparking discussions among fans.

Arshdeep Singh (India)

Arshdeep stepped up as India’s T20 spearhead in 2024, particularly in their T20 World Cup triumph. He took 36 wickets in 18 matches, just one short of Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Indian record for most T20I wickets in a calendar year. His match-winning spells in the World Cup final, including key dismissals of South African batters, cemented his reputation as a clutch performer.

Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Despite Pakistan’s inconsistent run in 2024, Babar remained their most reliable player, scoring 738 runs in 24 matches at a strike rate of 133.21. He is on the verge of breaking Rohit Sharma’s all-time T20I run record, trailing by just eight runs. His unbeaten 75 against Ireland was a standout performance.

Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe)

Raza continued to shine as Zimbabwe’s talisman, earning his third consecutive nomination. He scored 573 runs and picked up 24 wickets, leading Zimbabwe to an unbeaten campaign in the World Cup qualifiers, showcasing his all-round brilliance.

Travis Head (Australia)

Head delivered one of the most impactful years for an Australian T20I batter. With 539 runs in 15 matches at a staggering strike rate of 178.47, he was instrumental in Australia’s World Cup campaign, providing explosive starts and critical contributions under pressure.

The absence of Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, key figures in India’s T20 World Cup victory, has surprised fans, given their pivotal roles in the team’s success. The ICC’s nominations highlight a mix of exceptional performances but leave room for debate over omissions.