The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced Rising Players of the Year and Associate Cricketer of the Year The 2024 Award, which showcases emerging and established talent in the world of cricket over a calendar year.
Kamindu Mendis crowned Emerging Player of the Year
Sri Lanka star dough Kamindu Mendis was awarded the 2024 Emerging Player of the Year Award for his outstanding display with the bat throughout the calendar year. Mendis, who amassed 1,451 runs across formats in 2024 at an impressive average of just over 50, shared the stage with some of the game’s legends over the course of the year.
The flamboyant left-handed batsman made just one Test appearance for Sri Lanka before 2024. However, by the end of the year, he had firmly established himself as a key player for all types of teams. He became Sri Lanka’s reliable player during high-stakes situations and moments of crisis.
That ability to thrive under pressure was on full display during Sri Lanka’s pursuit of the maiden ICC World Test Championship Final place. The 26-year-old has consistently delivered a string of impressive performances in the Test arena, showcasing his ability to score big in the longest format of the game.
Also read: Rohit Sharma to captain ICC men’s team in 2024, no place for Virat Kohli, Shaheen Afridi and Adam Zampa
Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus has been named the 2024 Cricketer of the Year.
Captain of Namibian national side, Gerhard Erasmus He was named the best player among the associated nations by the ICC. Erasmus has achieved an impressive level of consistency throughout the calendar year in both One Day International and T20 International cricket, scoring 8 half-centuries and often hitting the Namibian middle order with the bat.
The 29-year-old has been a constant threat with his constant breaks, starting the year with five for against Nepal in Kirtipur and picking up important wickets during 2024. Erasmus has been impressive at individual level for Namibia at ICC Men’s T20 World Cupscoring a quality half century against Scotland and lit up a super over in his team’s singles win against Oman.
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah among 3 Indians to feature in ICC Men’s Test Squad of 2024
