Dubai, December 28, 2024: Pakistani batter Saim Ayub has been shortlisted for the prestigious ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2024 award. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the nomination on Saturday, recognizing Ayub’s stellar performances throughout the year, particularly in the one-day format.
In 2024, Ayub made a significant impact, amassing 515 runs in nine ODIs at an impressive average of 64.37. His remarkable feat included three centuries, with two of them coming in Pakistan’s historic 3-0 whitewash of South Africa. The ICC praised Ayub for emerging as a dynamic southpaw at the top of Pakistan’s batting order, consistently delivering strong performances across all formats.
Ayub was instrumental in Pakistan’s victories in several away series in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, as the team geared up for the ICC Champions Trophy. His standout performances in ODIs, including a crucial knock in a low-scoring encounter in Australia, helped Pakistan secure their first ODI series win Down Under in 22 years.
In addition to his batting prowess, the 22-year-old also contributed with the ball, taking five wickets at an economical rate of 4.63. Ayub’s performance in key moments, including taking the vital wicket of Aiden Markram, was instrumental in one of Pakistan’s most impressive wins of the year.
Ayub is competing with Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka), Shamar Joseph (West Indies), and Gus Atkinson (England) for the ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2024 award.
