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The ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award has been a prestigious recognition in the world of cricket since its inception in 2004. Awarded annually by the International Cricket Council (ICC), this accolade honours the best-performing player in One Day Internationals (ODIs) over a specified period. The award not only highlights individual brilliance but also reflects the evolution and competitiveness of ODI cricket.
On January 27, 2025, Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai was crowned as the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, marking a significant milestone for both him and Afghan cricket. His selection was based on an impressive year where he emerged as a standout performer, contributing significantly to his team’s successes in various series. Omarzai finished the year as Afghanistan’s second-highest run-scorer and wicket-taker, leading his team to victories against formidable opponents like South Africa and Bangladesh. His performances included a remarkable unbeaten 149 against Sri Lanka and crucial contributions in tight matches, showcasing his ability to deliver when it mattered most.
This recent recognition not only celebrates Omarzai’s individual excellence but also underscores Afghanistan’s growing stature in international cricket. As we delve into the winners of this esteemed award over the years, we will explore their achievements and contributions to the sport, starting with Andrew Flintoff, the inaugural winner.
Andrew Flintoff: The inaugural winner
In 2004, Flintoff, the charismatic all-rounder from England, became the first recipient of the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award. His selection was a testament to his outstanding performances in One Day Internationals (ODIs) during the assessment period from August 1, 2003, to July 31, 2004. Flintoff’s statistics were impressive: he scored 633 runs at an average of 78.71 and took 16 wickets at an average of 20.50 across 12 matches. Notably, he achieved a remarkable top score of 123 runs against the West Indies at Lord’s, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Flintoff’s journey to this accolade was marked by a significant turnaround in his career. After struggling with injuries and inconsistent performances earlier in his career, he emerged as a key player for England. His all-round capabilities—combining explosive batting with effective bowling—made him a valuable asset to the team. Flintoff’s impact extended beyond statistics; he played a crucial role in England’s success in various series, including the memorable Ashes series in 2005, where he was instrumental in regaining the trophy from Australia.
Despite facing challenges later in his career, including injuries and personal issues, Flintoff’s legacy as a cricketer remains significant. He retired from all forms of cricket in 2010 but left behind a rich history of achievements and contributions to English cricket.
Virat Kohli: The most decorated player
Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, holds the record for the most ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year awards, having won it four times (2012, 2017, 2018, and 2023). Kohli’s dominance in ODIs is characterized by his remarkable consistency and ability to chase down targets. His aggressive batting style and exceptional technique have made him one of the leading run-scorers in ODI history.
Kohli’s first win came in 2012, where he scored over 1,000 runs with an average exceeding 68. This performance set the stage for his future accolades. In 2017, he amassed 1,460 runs at an average of 76.84, demonstrating his capacity to perform year after year at an elite level. His third win in 2018 further solidified his status as one of cricket’s greats; he scored over 1,200 runs with an astonishing average of 133.55.
Kohli’s most recent award came in 2023, where he continued to display his prowess with another stellar performance that included significant contributions throughout the year. His ability to adapt to various conditions and maintain high standards has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
Also READ: ICC names Azmatullah Omarzai as men’s ODI cricketer of the year 2024
Azmatullah Omarzai: The new star from Afghaistan
As of January 27, 2025, the most recent recipient of the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award is Omarzai from Afghanistan for his performances during the year leading up to this date. Omarzai’s rise in international cricket has been meteoric; he has become a key player for Afghanistan due to his all-round capabilities.
In 2024, Omarzai showcased his talent by contributing significantly with both bat and ball. He played crucial innings that helped Afghanistan secure vital victories against stronger teams. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning performances has garnered attention from cricket fans and analysts alike.
The recognition of Omarzai as the ODI Cricketer of the Year highlights not only his individual achievements but also reflects Afghanistan’s growing presence in international cricket. As a young player making waves on the global stage, Omarzai represents a new generation of cricketers who are pushing boundaries and inspiring future talents from emerging cricketing nations.
A Journey through time: The winners list
| Year | Winner | Notable Achievements |
| 2004 | Andrew Flintoff (ENG) | 633 runs, 16 wickets |
| 2005 | Kevin Pietersen (ENG) | 784 runs, average of 65.33 |
| 2006 | Michael Hussey (AUS) | 784 runs, average of 56 |
| 2007 | Matthew Hayden (AUS) | 1601 runs, average of 59.29 |
| 2008 | MS Dhoni (IND) | 1097 runs, average of 57.73 |
| 2009 | MS Dhoni (IND) | 967 runs, average of 60.43f |
| 2010 | AB de Villiers (SA) | 964 runs, average of 80.33 |
| 2011 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 1127 runs, average of 51.22 |
| 2012 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 1026 runs, average of 68.40 |
| 2013 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 1201 runs, average of 63.21 |
| 2014 | AB de Villiers (SA) | 879 runs, average of 73.25 |
| 2015 | AB de Villiers (SA) | 1193 runs, average of 79.53 |
| 2016 | Quinton de Kock (SA) | 857 runs, average of 57.13 |
| 2017 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 1460 runs, average of 76.84 |
| 2018 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 1202 runs, average of 133.55 |
| 2019 | Rohit Sharma (IND) | 1490 runs, average of 57.30 |
| 2021 | Babar Azam (PAK) | 405 runs, average of 67.50 |
| 2022 | Babar Azam (PAK) | 679 runs, average of 84.87 |
| 2023 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 1,377 runs, average of 72.47 |
Dominance by Indian stars
India have produced some remarkable talents who have left an indelible mark on ODI cricket, being the country with most ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award. Kohli stands out as the most decorated player in this category with four awards under his belt—2012, 2017, 2018, and most recently in 2023—demonstrating consistent excellence across different eras of cricket.
MS Dhoni, another Indian legend, made history by being the first player to win back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009. His leadership and batting prowess have significantly influenced India’s success in ODIs.
The ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award not only celebrates individual brilliance but also signifies the evolution of cricket as a sport that continues to inspire millions worldwide. As we look forward to future seasons, it will be exciting to see which emerging talents will join this illustrious list and who will continue to dominate the game like their predecessors. The legacy continues with each passing year as players strive for excellence on the field, making their mark in cricket history.
