The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the list of candidates for Women Cricketer of the Year Awards 2024focuses on players who have left an indelible mark on the world of cricket with their remarkable skills and winning performances across formats. The list celebrates consistent standouts on the global stage who have contributed significantly to their team’s success throughout the year.
However, a surprising mistake caught the attention of fans and experts alike – the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team Smriti MandhanaConsidered one of the best shots of the game, it didn’t make the cut. This unexpected exception sparked widespread debate and discussion, with many questioning the criteria and fairness of the selection process.
The candidates and their great performances
Chamari Atapathu Sri Lanka won the nomination due to their leadership and all-round contributions. He scored over 720 runs at an average of 41.27 in T20Is and was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s maiden Asia Cup victory by taking 21 wickets. He has also amassed 458 runs in 9 ODIs with an unbeaten 195 being his best.
Likewise, Amelia Kerr He was nominated for an exceptional year from New Zealand, particularly highlighted by his performance in the T20 World Cup where he was the leading wicket-taker with 29 wickets and scored 387 runs. His all-round skills were crucial for New Zealand. He also scored 264 runs in 9 ODIs with one fifty.
of Australia Annabel Sutherland topped the list with 651 runs and 43 wickets across all formats. His performances in the T20 World Cup and consistent show in ODIs have been pivotal for Australia.
Captain of South Africa Laura Volwardt also leads the T20 World Cup with the bat and has scored over 1500 runs in all formats. His leadership in taking South Africa to their second consecutive T20 World Cup final is commendable.
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Release of Smriti Mandhana
Despite topping the run-scoring charts in both ODIs and T20Is, Mandhana failed to secure a nomination for the award. He scored 747 runs at an average of 57.46 in ODIs, including four centuries, and 763 runs at an average of 42.38 in T20Is. He even played one Test and scored 149 runs. His absence from the list has sparked considerable debate, with many fans and pundits questioning the selection criteria.
Mandhana’s performances throughout the year were exceptional but she was overlooked for the nomination, sparking debate on social media platforms where cricket fans expressed their surprise and disappointment. Some argued that his consistent scoring and impact on matches should have earned him the award.
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This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
