The ICC Cricketer of the Year is a prestigious award that signifies a player’s outstanding performance and impact on the global cricketing stage. Awarded with the revered Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, this accolade is presented annually by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to the player who has excelled across all formats of the game.
Criteria for selection
This accolade is presented annually to the player who has delivered exceptional performances across all formats of the game over the course of the year. The criteria for selecting the ICC Cricketer of the Year include statistical excellence, impact on matches, and consistent contributions to their team’s success. The winner is determined based on their performances in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
4 contenders for the cricketer of the year 2023:
Travis Head (Australia)
Travis Head showcased a phenomenal year with the bat for Australia, particularly in ODIs. His standout performances in the ODI World Cup 2023, where he scored 570 runs at a remarkable strike rate, played a pivotal role in Australia’s success.
Additionally, Head’s contributions in Test matches, including a crucial 163 in the ICC World Test Championship final, further solidify his candidacy. In total, Head amassed 1698 runs in 31 international games in 2023.
Virat Kohli (India)
Former India captain Virat Kohli made a triumphant return to form in 2023. Kohli’s prolific run in ODIs, where he hit six centuries, set records and helped India reach the World Cup finals. His resurgence in Test cricket, marked by centuries against Australia and the West Indies, added to his stellar year. Kohli scored a total of 2048 runs in 35 international games, establishing himself as a strong contender for the ICC Cricketer of the Year.
Also READ: Top 4 nominees for ICC Test cricketer of the year 2023
Ravindra Jadeja (India)
Ravindra Jadeja had a remarkable year, particularly in the red-ball format. His crucial contributions with both bat and ball in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he scored 281 runs and claimed 33 wickets, showcased his all-round prowess.
Jadeja’s impactful performances in ODIs, including a career-best 5/33 in the World Cup, further elevate his standing. Overall, Jadeja scored 613 runs and took 66 wickets in 35 matches across formats in 2023.
Pat Cummins (Australia)
Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins had a sensational 2023, excelling both as a player and captain. His leadership led Australia to victories in the WTC Final, a successful Ashes defense, and a World Cup triumph.
As a player, Cummins demonstrated all-round brilliance in Test matches, scoring 254 runs and taking 42 wickets. In ODIs, he picked up 17 wickets, contributing significantly to Australia’s success. Cummins tallied 422 runs and 59 wickets in 24 international games.
