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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the Emerging Player of the Year and Associate Cricketer of the Year Award 2024, displaying emerging and consistent talent in the cricketing world throughout the calendar year.
Kamindu Mendis crowned with Emerging Player of the Year
Sri Lanka star batter Kamindu Mendis has been honored with the Emerging Player of the Year Award 2024 for his exceptional display with the bat throughout the calendar year. Mendis, who amassed 1451 runs across formats in 2024 at an impressive average of just over 50, shared the stage with some of the game’s legends during the year.
The flamboyant left-handed batter had only one Test appearance for Sri Lanka before 2024. However, by the end of the year, he had firmly established himself as a key all-format player for the team. He became Sri Lanka’s dependable go-to player during high-stakes situations and moments of crisis.
This ability to thrive under pressure was on full display during Sri Lanka’s quest for a maiden ICC World Test Championship Final spot. The 26-year-old consistently delivered a series of impactful performances in the Test arena, showcasing his knack for scoring big runs in the longest format of the game.
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Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus named Associate Cricketer of the Year 2024
The skipper of Namibia’s national side, Gerhard Erasmus was declared as the best player amongst the associate nations by the ICC. Erasmus produced an impressive level of consistency throughout the calendar year in both One-Day International and T20 International cricket, scoring 8 half-centuries and frequently delivering in the Namibia middle order with the bat.
The 29-year-old was a constant threat with his steady off-breaks, starting the year with a five-for against Nepal in Kirtipur and picking up important wickets throughout 2024. Erasmus performed admirably on an individual level for Namibia at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scoring a quality half-century against Scotland and lighting up the super over in his team’s solitary win against Oman.