The countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has begun, with cricket fans eagerly anticipating the return of the prestigious tournament. Set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE, the global event promises intense competition among the top eight ODI teams. With India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan competing f?or the coveted trophy, excitement is at a?n all-time high.

The tournament, last held in 2017, has a rich history of producing thrilling encounters, and this edition is expected to be no different. With teams arriving in peak form and conditions favoring both batters and bowlers, the Champions Trophy 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cricketing spectacles of the y??????????????????????????ear.

Parthiv Patel picks the dark horse of the global event

While powerhouses like India, Pakistan, Australia, and South Africa are considered strong contenders based on their records in ICC events, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has i??dentified a team that could spring a surprise.

Speaking on Star Sports, Parthiv ?named Afghanistan as the ‘dark horse�of the Champions Trophy, citing their impressive performances in?? the 50-over format.

“There’ll be India, Pakistan, South Africa, and Australia just given the record in ICC trophies. But my dark horse is Afghanistan. They have played really good cricket in the 50-over format. It was just that Glenn Maxwell’s innings, otherwise, I think they were right there in the race to reach the semi-finals. So, you know, Afghanistan could come in and surprise all other teams,” said Parthiv.

Notably, Afghanistan will begin thei?r Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on February 21 against South Africa at National Bank Stadium in Karachi. They will then travel to Lahore for the matches against England and Australia on February 26 and  February 28, respectively.

Also READ: Head Coach Gautam Gambhir identifies Team India’s?? “X ??factor�for Champions Trophy 2025

Inspiring performance so far

Afghanistan have emerged as a force to be reckoned with in recent years, proving their potential on the big stage. Their campaign in the 2023 ODI World Cup saw them in contention for a semi-final spot, with key victories against major teams. In the T20 World Cup 2024, they made history by securing a semi-final berth, stunning Austra??lia in the Super 8s and showcasing their growing dominance.

With a strong bowling attack featuring Rashid Khan, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, alongside match-winning batters like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan have the firepower to challenge the tournament’s heavyweights. If they continue their upward trajectory, they could very well emerge as the biggest surprise package of the Champions Trophy 2025.

Also READ: Australia’s Michael Clarke picks his favourite team ??to win Champions Tr??ophy 2025

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to commence on February 19, with the tournament hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This prestigious event marks the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus, featuring eight of the world’s best cricketing nations competing for the coveted title.

Tournament Structure and Groups

The eight partici?pating teams have been di??vided into two groups:

• Group A: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand
• Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan

Each team will play three group-stage matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The?? tournament will run until March 9, culminati??ng in the final.

Also READ: ICC announces warm?-up fixtures for the Champions Trophy 2025

Champions Trophy 2025 Squads

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami

Australia: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly

Bangladesh: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar,? Tanzid Hasan, Ta??whid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana

England: Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, ??Ben Duckett, Jamie ??Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, R??avindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewe??ll, Mark Chapm?an, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan? (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, ??Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch. Travelling reserve: Kwena Maphaka

Also READ: AB de Villiers names the most dangerous team? of Champions Trophy 20??25

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is set to begin on February 19, with an electrifying opener between Pakistan and New Zealand. As teams prepare for this highly anticipated tournament, the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have announced the official schedule for the warm-up? match??es, set to take place from February 14 to 17.

Champions Trophy 2025: Complete schedule and fixture details

The PCB has taken an active role in ensuring that teams participating in warm-up matches receive adequate match practice by fielding three different Pakistan Shaheens (Pakistan A) squads for these fixtures. These matches will not only serve as a test for visiting teams but will also provide young Pakistani cricketers with exposure against internati??onal competition.

The warm-ups will commence on February 14 in Lahore, where Shadab Khan will lead a Pakistan Shaheens side against Afghanistan in a highly anticipated clash. Afghanistan, known for its talented spin attack, will use ?this match to gauge their readiness for the conditions ahead of the main tournament.

On February 16, New Zealand will face Afghanistan in Karachi, giving both teams a chance to assess their strengths and weaknesses before the Champions Trophy begins. The final warm-up day, February 17, will feature two simultaneous fixtures—one in Karachi, where Mohammad Hurraira’s Pakistan Shaheens will take on South Africa, and another? in Dubai, wh??ere Mohammad Haris will lead the Shaheens against Bangladesh.

With New Zealand and South Africa already in Pakistan for a tri-nation ODI series, these warm-up games will provide a seamless transition into the Champions Trop??hy for both teams. This tri-series, which includes Pakistan, will serve as additional match practice, allowing ?them to fine-tune their playing strategies in conditions similar to those expected during the tournament.

Also READ: Mi??chael Vaughan picks his favourite team for the Champions Trophy 2025

India, England, and Australia opt out of warm-ups

One of the biggest talking point??s surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025 warm-up matches is the decision by India, England, and Australia to skip these fixtures. India, in particular, will play all of its group-stage matches in Dubai, a move dictated by geopolitical considerations, making its absence from?? warm-up games even more significant. England and Australia have potentially decided to relying on their own preparatory methods rather than participating in competitive warm-up fixtures.

For other teams, these warm-up matches will be crucial in getting a feel for the conditions. With Pakistan expected to offer fast-bowler-friendly t?racks and Dubai likely to produce spin-heavy conditions, understanding how to adjust to these contrasting surfaces could play a vital role in determining success in the main tournament.

Also READ: CT 2025: New Zealand’s record in?? ICC Champions Trophy history

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Ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Mumbai Indians (MI) have suffered a major setback. Afghanistan’s young spin sensation, Allah Ghazanfar, has been ruled out of the upcoming cricketing action due to a major injury. The 18-year-old youngster who has played 1 Test, 11 ODIs, and 19 T20Is for his national side will be unable to play in the Champions Trophy 2025 and IPL in the coming season. The dev?elopments have sent shockwaves in the cricketing community, raising concerns for MI, who now have a major task of finding a suitable replacement for Ghazanfar.

A major fracture ruled Allah Ghazanfar out of action

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced that Ghazanfar suffered a fracture in his L4 vertebra during the recent tour of Zimbabwe. The injury is a significant setback for the young cricketer, potentially sidelining him for an extended period as he undergoes recovery a??nd rehabilitation.

“Afghanistan’s young spin-bowling sensation, AM Ghazanfar, has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to a fracture in the L4 vertebra, specifically in the left pars interarticular. He sustained the injury during Afghanistan’s recently held tour Zimbabwe and will be sidelined for a minimum of four months and will remain under treatment during this period. Nangyal Kharoti, who was part of the reserves pool, has been promoted to the main squad for the Champions Trophy. Additionally, Mujeeb Ur Rahman continues to miss the ODI action, until he has fully recovered,” a statement from ACB read.

Ghazanfar entered the IPL mega auctions with a base price of INR 75 Lakhs. However, MI bought the spin wizard for a staggering INR 4.80 crore. The development now makes MI’s spin attack vulnerable to attack from rival batting units during the tournament. A suitable replacement for Ghazanfar is thus ?crucial to the team’s prospects in the upcoming IPL season. Given Ghazanfar’s latest injury, here are three potential replacements for him in the MI squad.

3 potential replacements for Allah Ghazanfar in the MI squad

(1) Roston Chase:

MI can replace Ghazanfar with someone who can be a handy option with the bat, apart from adding depth to the team’s spin unit. In this regard, Roston Chase is a prominent name who has gone unsold in the IPL auction and has proven his worth playing for the West Indies and several franchises ?he has represented during his career. The 32-year-old can add league cricket experience to the team as he has clinched 73 wickets in 110 T20 matches he has played so far.

Also Read: Afghanistan’s spin sensation Allah Ghazanf??ar ruled out of Champions Trophy?? 2025; replacement announced

(2) Keshav Maharaj:

Keshav Maharaj is another notable player who has gone unsold in the IPL auction. The seasoned South African spinner was in action recently as the skipper of Durban Super Giants in the SA20 2025 and carved out some impressive performances with the bowl?, even though his team could not perform well in the tournament. The 35-year-old is a dynamic off-spinner with experience to adapt according to the needs of the game and the team he is playing for. His record in T20s is also impress??ive. The Proteas spin maestro has taken 162 wickets in 191 T20 matches he has played so far.

(3) Adil Rashid:

Adil Rashid is a regular starter for England in the T20I format and is well-versed in bowling?? in sub-continent conditions and getting his team breakthroughs during crucial junctures of the match. His experience and versatility with the bowl can thus be of great value to MI given they chose?? him as a replacement for Ghazanfar.

The 36-year-old has featured in several league tournaments such as the ILT20, SA20, The Hundred Men’s Competition, and Big Bash League (BBL). He has also been a part of Punjab Super Kings (PBKS) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the past. However, his association with the two? IPL f?ranchises has not been long.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Is V??irat Kohli returning as RCB captain? COO Rajesh Menon clears ??speculation

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In a match that will be etched in cricketing lore, South Africa‘s Matthew Breetzke announced his arrival on the international stage with a sensational performance. Playing his maiden One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand in the tri-series in Pakistan, the young opener smashed a tremendous century and etche?d?? his name in the record books.

Breetzke’s innings was a blend of poise and aggression, as he dispatched the Kiwi bowlers with a range of strokes that left both fans and experts in awe. The young batting sensation also attained a special record of highest individual score on debut. On that note, let’s have a look at the five highest run-scorers on ODI debut.

5 highest individual scores on ODI debut

5) Mark Chapman (Hong Kong)

Representing Hong Kong in their ODI against UAE in Dubai in 2015, Chapman played an unbeaten knock of 124 off 116 balls. His performance was a blend of patience and power, guiding his team to a competitive total. Chapman’s debut was a testament to his adaptability and skill, especially considering the relatively lesser-known status of Hong Kong cricket at the time. Not to mention, Chapman now represents New Zealand in the international cricket.

4) Colin Ingram (South Africa)

Ingram’s ODI debut in 2010 against Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein was nothing short of spectacular as he scored 124 runs off 126 balls. His innings was a masterclass in timing and placement, with a particular focus on punishing the loose deliveries. Ingram’s debut century was a clear indicator of his potential to be a key player in South Africa’s middle order, showcasing both flair and resilience.

Also READ: Who is Lhuan-dre Pretorius? The ris?ing star?? of South African cricket

3) Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)

Gurbaz made headlines with his debut performance in 2021 against Ireland in Abu Dhabi, scoring a brisk 127 off 127 balls. His knock was characterized by fearless batting, including powerful sixes and elegant drives, proving his capability to handle international bowling attacks from the get-go. This innings set the tone for his reputation as an explosive opene?r in ??the shorter formats.

2) Desmond Haynes (West Indies)

Back in 1978, Haynes made an immediate impact on his ODI debut against Australia in St. John’s, Antigua. Scoring 148 runs off 136 balls, Haynes announced his arrival with a blend of classic and aggressive strokeplay. His innings helped set up a big win for the West Indies, laying the foundation for what would become a legendary opening partnership with Gordon Greenidge.

1) Matthew Breetzke (South Africa)

On his ODI debut against New Zealand in Lahore, Breetzke showcased a blend of technique and aggression, amassing an unbeaten? 150 off 148 balls. His innings was pivotal in setting a formidable total for South Africa, marking him as a player to watch out for in international cricket. His knock was studded with 17 fours and 4 sixes, displaying his range of shots and ability to anchor the innings while also accelerating when needed.

Also READ: All you n??eed to know about Matthew Breetzke: LSG recruit who smashed century on his ODI debut in Pakistan

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Modern-day cricket has witnessed the rise of several world-class bowlers who dominate across formats. With the evolution of batting techniques and aggressive playing styles, bowlers must constantly adapt to stay ahead. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, Shaheen Afridi, and Kagiso Rabada are often regarded as some of the toughest bowlers to face?. Their ability to generate pace, movement, and variations makes them a nigh??tmare for batters across all conditions.

However, picking the absolute toughest bowler is a challenging task, as it depends on various factors, including skillset, adaptability, and consistency. While many would expect a household name like Bumrah or Cummins to be the top pick, legendary Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has made a rather surprising choice.

Shoaib Akhtar reveals his pick

Akhtar, known for his blistering pace and fearless opinions, has named Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi as the toughest bowler in modern-day cricket. Speaking on Switch, Akhtar praised Farooqi’s intelligence ?and ability to trouble batters with his precise bowling.

“There is no doubt that Fazalhaq Farooqi is the smartest bowler in current cricket. The most special thing about his bowling is that he does not give room to the batsmen. He has played so much cricket till now that he knows how to bowl to the batsman. He has learnt to read the batsman’s mind. At present Fazalhaq Farooqi is one of the toughest bowlers in the world. It is very difficult to hit him with the new ball,” said Akhtar.

Also WATCH: Shoaib Akhtar shares a hilarious moment with Dolly Chaiwala durin?g ILT20 2025

The Rawalpindi Express further elaborated on how Farooqi has improved his s??kills and is now effective with both the new and old ball.

“Now he is bowling well even with the old ball. He has a yorker and a slow ball. He is the smartest bowler in the world. He knows his game. Earlier he was not able to read the batsmen but now he is constantly reading the batsman and putting the batsmen in trouble,” added Akhtar.

Impressive performance in ILT20 2025

Farooqi has been in sensational form in the ongoing ILT20 2025, where he has emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament. The Afghanistan pacer has taken an impressive 20 wickets in just 10 matches, showcasing his ability to dismantle? batting line-ups. His performances have not only caught the attention of experts like Akhtar but have also solidified his reputation as one of the most promising fast bowlers in world cricket.

Also READ: Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar predicts the finalists of Cham??p?ions Trophy 2025

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Afghanistan‘s superstar leg-spinner Rashid Khan has reached a remarkable milestone, setting a new world record in T20 cricket.

A record-breaking feat for Rashid Khan

Playing for MI Cape Town in the SA20 2025 League in South Africa, Rashid claimed two crucial wickets in a match against Paarl Royals, surpassing West Indies’ legendary all-rounder Dwayne Bravo to become the highest wicket-taker in T20 history. With this achievement, Rashid’s total tally of wickets across international T20s and franchise leagues has now reached 633 wickets. Among these, Rashid has taken 161 wickets for Afghanistan in T20 Internationals, while securing 472 wickets in various T20 franchise leagues and domestic competitions worldwide. This makes him the most prolific bowler in the shortest format of the game, reaffirming his status as one of the greatest T20 players of all time.

The landmark match: Rashid’s crucial wickets

Rashid’s record-breaking moment came in the SA20 2025 Qualifier 1 at St George’s Park, Gqeberha. Leading the Cape Town, Rashid surpassed Bravo’s tally of 631 wickets when he dismissed Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage. Shortly after, he removed experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, further cementing his place in the record books. In the same match, MI Cape Town’s bowling attack, including Trent Boult, Kagiso Rabada and Corbin Bosch, played a key role in restricting the Royals to 160 in 19.5 overs, s??ecuring a 39-?run victory and a place in the SA20 final. Rashid’s spell saw him return figures of 2/33 in four overs, adding another memorable chapter to his already illustrious career.

Also READ: Hashma?tullah Shahidi to lead? as Afghanistan announces squad for the Champions Trophy 2025

Rashid’s T20 career in numbers

Rashid’s meteoric rise in T20 cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. The Afghan spin wizard has been a match-win?ner for every team he has represented. In his T20 career so far, he has played a total of 461 matches and taken 633 wickets. His impressive bowling average of 18.07 reflects his consistency in picking wickets, while his best bowling figures of 6/17 highlight his ability to single-handedly dismantle opposition lineups. Rashid has recorded four f??ive-wicket hauls and 16 four-wicket hauls, further proving his dominance as a wicket-taking bowler.

What makes him even more dangerous is his remarkable economy rate of 6.50 runs per over, which is exceptionally low for a bowler who operates in the shortest and most explosive format of the game. Among active cricketers, Rashid Khan is in a league of his own, with the next-highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket being Sunil Narine of West Indies, who?? has 574 wickets from 536 matches. Rashid’s dominance in T20 bowling is unparalleled, and at just 26 years old, he has the potential to become the first bowler in history to reach 1,000 T20 wickets if he remains injury-free.

Rashid’s journey from Afghanistan to T20 stardom

Rashid Khan’s T20 journey began in 2015 when he made his debut for Afghanistan at the age of 17 against Zimbabwe. Over the years, he has transformed into one of the most?????????????????????????? sought-after players in?? global T20 leagues. His ability to deliver sharp, deceptive leg-spin, along with his control and variations, has made him a match-winner across formats. Rashid has represented several elite T20 franchises across the world, making an impact in almost every major league.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has played for Gujarat Titans (GT) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), becoming a vital part of their bowling attacks. In the Big Bash League (BBL), he has been a dominant force for the Adelaide Strikers. His presence has also been felt in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he has represented Barbados Royals and Guyana Amazon Warriors.

In the SA20 League, he currently leads Cape Town, while in England’s The Hundred, he has been a key player for Trent Rockets. Additionally, he has featured in the International League T20 (ILT20) for MI Emirates and Major League Cricket (MLC) for Los Angeles Knight Riders?. His impact in franchise cricket has been massive, making him a top pick in almost every major T20 league worldw?ide.

Also READ: SA20 2025: ??A complete guide to Indian, Afghanistan and Sri Lankan pl??ayers participating in the Season 3

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Azmatullah Omarzai, the 24-year-old all-rounder from Afghanistan, has won the prestigious ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024 Award. His remarkable performances with both bat and ball throughout the year have earned him this honour, marking his ascent in the 50-over format.

Omarzai’s exceptional skills have been pivotal to Afghanistan’s growing stature in international cricket, solidifying his place as one of the most promising talents in world cricket.

Azmatullah Omarzai: A star in Afghanistan cricket

Since making his ODI debut against Ireland in January 2021, Omarzai has proven to be an invaluable asset for Afghanistan. In 2024, he played 14 matches and showcased his all-round abilities, cementing his reputation as a top-tier player. As a middle-order right-handed batter, Omarzai scored an impressive 417 runs, which included three half-centuries and one century. His highest score, an unbeaten 149 runs against Sri Lanka at Pallekele Stadium in February 2024, was a standout performance. The knock included 13 fours and 6 sixes, demonstrating his aggre?ssive style of play. With an average of 52.12 and a strike rate of 105.56, his contributions with the bat have been exceptional.

In addition to his batting prowess, Omarzai’s skills with the ball have been equally impressive. As a right-arm medium-fast bowler, he claimed 17 wickets in 14 matches, maintaining an average of 20.47 and an economy rate of 4.90. His best bowling performance came against Zimbabwe in December 2024, where he took four wickets for just 18 runs in the first ODI at Har??are. Omarzai also contributed in the field, taking three catches in those 14 matches, further highlighting his all-round capabilities.

Omarzai’s exceptional year culminated in his recognition as the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. His consistent and outstanding performances have not only earned him individual accolades but have also propelled him to the third position in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings. This achievement signifies his growth as a player and highlights his potential to dominate the international stage in the years to come.

Also READ: ICC announces Women’s T20I Team of the Year 2024; Smriti Mandhana an??d two other Indian players feature in the prestigious XI

Afghanistan’s success story in 2024

2024 has been a breakthrough year for Afghanistan cricket, with several players making significant contributions. In addition to Omarzai’s recognition, two other Afghanistan players earned spots in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, known for his dynamic batting at the top of the order, scored 531 runs in 11 matches. His explosive starts were key to Afghanistan’s victories over teams like Ireland, South Africa, and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, 18-year-old off-spinner Allah Ghazanfar made a remarkable impact by taking 21 wickets in 11 matches, showcasing exceptional control and maturity be?yond his years.

Afghanistan’s team performance in 2024 also reflects their growing strength in international cricket. They played 14 matches, winning 8, losing 5 and having 1 match end in no result. The year has seen the team make significant strides, with their all-round performances pushing them closer to the top echelons of world cricket.

Also READ: ICC reveals Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024;? Indian players find no place

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 on January 24, marking a year of standout performances by players from Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

A year of missed opportunities for India

Interestingly, the team excluded Indian, Australian, South African and England players, with India notably failing to win any of their three ODIs played during the year. India’s exclusion from the ICC ODI Team of the Year was a result of their dismal ODI performance in 2024, losing all three matches against Sri Lanka. The absence of Indian, Australian, South African, and English players highlighted the dominance of emerging cricketing nations like Afghanistan and the resurgence of teams like Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the ODI format. This year’s selection also underscores the growing impact of players from less-traditional cricketing powerhouses, reflecting the increasingly competitive nature of ODI cricket worldwide.

ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024: dominated by Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan

Openers: Saim Ayub and Rahmanullah Gurbaz

• Saim Ayub (Pakistan): The young left-hander emerged as a revelation in 2024, scoring 515 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 64.67. Ayub’s impactful performances included a century against Zimbabwe and standout contributions in the series against Australia.
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan): Gurbaz’s dynamic batting at the top yielded 531 runs in 11 matches. Known for his explosive starts, he made significant contributions against teams like Ireland, South Africa, and Bangladesh.

Middle Order: Sri Lanka’s Consistent Trio

1. Pathum Nissanka: Batting at No. 3, Nissanka amassed 694 runs in 12 matches at a staggering average of 106. His consistency was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s success.
2. Charith Asalanka (Captain): The Sri Lankan skipper led by example, scoring 742 runs in 17 matches, showcasing his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed. Asalanka’s leadership qualities earned him the captaincy of the ODI XI.
3. Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper): Mendis�contributions as a middle-order batter and wicketkeeper were invaluable. He scored 742 runs in 17 matches, matching Asalanka in run tally and providing stability.

Also READ: Jos Buttler addresses bo?ycott calls over Afghanistan m?atch in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

All-Rounders and Finishers

• Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies): Playing the role of a finisher, Rutherford scored 429 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 120, with a remarkable average of 106.
• Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan): The dependable all-rounder scored 417 runs in 12 matches and picked up 17 wickets, proving his mettle with both bat and ball.

Spinners: Wanindu Hasaranga and Allah Ghazanfar

• Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): Hasaranga’s spin wizardry fetched him 26 wickets in 10 matches, with a standout performance of 7/19, making him a key asset for Sri Lanka.
• Allah Ghazanfar (Afghanistan): The teenage off-spinner made waves by taking 21 wickets in 11 matches, showcasing exceptional control and maturity.

Pacers: Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf

• Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan): Known for his lethal new-ball spells, Afridi took 15 wickets in six matches, maintaining his status as one of the top fast bowlers.
• Haris Rauf (Pakistan): Complementing Afridi, Rauf claimed 13 wickets in eight matches, often delivering crucial breakthroughs for Pakistan.

Also READ: ??Former Pakist?an cricketer identifies the main player for India in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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