ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s opening batter, Saim Ayub, is among four nominees for the prestigious ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2024 award, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement.
The final winner of the Emerging Cricket of the Year award will be announced in January 2025 along with accolades across 12 categories to honor the best performers of 2024.
In 2024, Ayub, the left-handed batter, made a stunning impact on the international stage, featuring in nine ODIs and scoring 515 runs with an average of 64.37. Ayub’s ODI performance includes three centuries and one half-century.
“Pakistan found a new flamboyant southpaw at the top of their batting order. While Ayub was a consistent feature across all three formats, many of his best performances in 2024 came in ODIs,” the cricket governing body said.
The flamboyant batter played exceptional innings helping Pakistan to win multiple away series in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
In South Africa, the left-hander sizzled with two tons from the three games and finished as the Player of the Series in a 3-0 clean sweep — South Africa’s first at home. Ayub was also impressive in a low-scoring affair in Australia, that saw Pakistan edge past the hosts to clinch their first ODI series triumph Down Under in 22 years.
The 22-year-old also provided Pakistan a handy option with the ball, claiming five wickets and boasting an economy rate of 4.63.
Other nominees include Gus Atkinson, who enjoyed a memorable start to his Test career, taking 52 wickets in just 11 matches for England. Atkinson’s lethal pace and effectiveness with the ball have made him one of the most promising fast-bowling talents in world cricket.
West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph and record-breaking Sri Lankan batter Kamindu Mendis are also included in the list for their remarkable stints in 2024.
