ICC Cricketer of the Year – Everything You Need to Know

If you love cricket, you’ve probably heard the buzz around the ICC Cricketer of the Year award. It’s the trophy that decides who was the best player in the world for a given season. But how does it work, and why should you care? Let’s break it down in plain English.

How the award is decided

The International Cricket Council (ICC) gathers a panel of former players, journalists, and current captains. They each submit a ranked list of the top performers across Tests, ODIs, and T20s. The votes are then added up and the player with the highest points wins the title. In some years the fans also get a say in the final vote, which adds a bit of excitement for the crowd.

Recent winners and what set them apart

Look at the last few winners – players like Babar Azam, Kane Williamson, and Virat Kohli. What they all share is consistency. They score runs or take wickets in every format, keep their team winning, and often deliver match‑turning performances when it matters most. Their stats back it up: averaging above 50 in Tests, hitting 30+ boundaries per ODI, or taking a five‑wicket haul in T20s.

For example, the 2024 winner smashed 1,200 runs across formats and held a 45.6 batting average in Tests. That kind of output makes the panel’s job easy.

Why does this matter to you? First, the award highlights the players who shape the game’s story each year. Second, it gives fans a clear talking point – "Who should win this year?" – which fuels debates on social media and at the pub.

People also wonder if the award favors batsmen over bowlers. The ICC tries to keep it balanced by looking at impact, not just raw numbers. A bowler who takes 30 wickets and consistently breaks partnerships can beat a batter with a high average but fewer match‑winning innings.

If you’re tracking the next ICC awards ceremony, keep an eye on the season’s big moments: World Cup performances, series comebacks, and surprise breakthroughs. Those are the highlights that usually push a player into the top‑five.

Finally, you can get involved. Some years the ICC opens a fan poll where you can cast a vote for your favourite. It’s quick, free, and adds your voice to the mix. Even if your vote doesn’t decide the winner, it’s a fun way to show support for your cricket hero.

So, whether you’re a casual viewer or a die‑hard cricket nerd, the ICC Cricketer of the Year award is a snapshot of who dominated the sport in the last twelve months. Keep track of the stats, watch the big games, and join the conversation – the next big name could be yours to cheer for.