Jasprit Bumrah and Amelia Kerr Named ICC Cricketers of the Year
The ICC recently announced the winners of its prestigious yearly awards. India’s fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr received the top honors. Bumrah won the Sir Garfield Sobers Award for Men’s Cricketer of the Year, while Kerr was awarded the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for Women’s Cricketer of the Year. Their incredible performances in 2024 set them apart from other talented players.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Incredible Achievements
Jasprit Bumrah, the star Indian pacer, had a year to remember. His performances in Test matches, T20 World Cups, and other international games were truly remarkable.
1. Fastest Indian Pacer to 200 Test Wickets
- Bumrah took 71 Test wickets in just 13 matches in 2024, the highest by any bowler that year.
- He surpassed England’s Gus Atkinson, who had 52 wickets.
- Bumrah became the fastest Indian pacer in history to reach 200 Test wickets, achieving this milestone with a bowling average of just 19.40.
2. Outstanding Test Performances
- In the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia, Bumrah shone bright. He claimed 32 wickets in five Tests, earning him the Player of the Series award.
- His brilliant performances helped him rise to the top of the Test bowling rankings, ending the year with 907 points, the highest-ever score by an Indian bowler.
3. Star of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024
- Bumrah also dominated the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where India ended its 17-year title drought to win the championship.
- He took 15 wickets in the tournament at an impressive economy rate of 4.17, earning him the Player of the Tournament award.
- In the final against South Africa, Bumrah’s 2-18 in four overs, including the key wickets of Reeza Hendricks and Marco Jansen, secured India’s victory.
Amelia Kerr Makes History for New Zealand
Amelia Kerr, the talented New Zealand all-rounder, made her mark in 2024 with exceptional performances. She became the first Kiwi cricketer to win the Women’s Cricketer of the Year award, beating top players like Laura Wolvaardt and Annabel Sutherland.
1. Key Role in the Women’s T20 World Cup
- Kerr was the Player of the Match in the Women’s T20 World Cup final.
- In the match, she scored 43 runs off 38 balls and took 3-24 with the ball. Her wickets included key players like Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch, helping New Zealand defeat South Africa.
- With 15 wickets during the tournament, Kerr set a new record for the most wickets in a single T20 World Cup edition, surpassing previous records set by Anya Shrubsole and Megan Schutt.
2. Breaking New Ground for New Zealand
- Kerr’s achievements are groundbreaking for New Zealand cricket. She is the first Kiwi to win any form of the overall Women’s Cricketer of the Year award.
- Her performances have inspired young cricketers and elevated the reputation of New Zealand women’s cricket globally.
Why These Awards Matter
Winning ICC awards like the Sir Garfield Sobers Award or the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy is a huge honor in cricket. It recognizes players who excel across all formats and make a significant impact on the global stage.
1. Bumrah’s Legacy in Indian Cricket
- Bumrah joins the ranks of legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Virat Kohli, who previously won the award.
- His ability to perform in both Tests and T20 matches makes him one of the most versatile bowlers in cricket today.
2. Kerr’s Contribution to Women’s Cricket
- Kerr’s award not only celebrates her personal success but also highlights the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket.
- Her efforts in batting and bowling have established her as one of the top all-rounders in the world.
The Road Ahead for Bumrah and Kerr
Both Bumrah and Kerr have set the bar high for 2025. Fans eagerly await their performances in upcoming tournaments and series. For Bumrah, matches like ind vs eng will provide a chance to continue his dominance. Meanwhile, Kerr will aim to carry her fantastic form into future games, further solidifying her place in cricketing history.
