2004 to 2025: Here is the list of ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year ft Azmachullah Omarzai.
ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year ) in a certain period of time. The award reflects not only individual brilliance but also the evolution and competitiveness of ODI cricket.
On January 27, 2025, Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai was crowned the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, a milestone for both him and Afghanistan cricket. The selection was based on a remarkable year in which he stood out and contributed significantly to the team’s success in various series. Omarzai finished the year as Afghanistan’s second-highest run-scorer and wicket-taker, leading the team to victories against formidable opponents like South Africa and Bangladesh. His performances included an unbeaten 149 against Sri Lanka and crucial contributions in tight matches, showing his ability to deliver when it mattered most.
This latest recognition not only celebrates Omarzai’s personal excellence, but also highlights Afghanistan’s rising status in international cricket. As we take a closer look at the winners of this prestigious award, we examine their achievements and contributions to the sport, starting with the original winner, Andrew Flintoff.
Andrew Flintoff: The inaugural winner
In the year In 2004, Flintoff, a charismatic all-rounder from England, became the first recipient of the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award. From 1 August 2003 to 31 July 2004, Flintoff’s statistics were remarkable for his outstanding performances in One Day Internationals (ODIs): he scored 633 runs at an average of 78.71 and took 16 wickets. Averaged 20.50 in 12 matches. In particular, he scored an impressive top score of 123 runs against the West Indies at Lord’s.
Flintoff’s journey to this award marked a turning point in his career. After struggling with injuries and inconsistent performances earlier in his career, he has emerged as a key player for England. His all-round ability combined explosives with effective bowling made him a valuable asset to the team. Flintoff’s influence extended beyond statistics; He played a vital role in England’s success in various series, including the memorable Ashes series in 2005.
Despite challenges later in his career, including injuries and personal issues, Flintoff’s legacy as a cricketer remains significant. In the year He retired from all forms of cricket in 2010, but left behind many achievements and contributions to English cricket.
Virat Kohli: The most decorated player
Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, holds the record for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award having won it four times (2012, 2017, 2018 and 2023). Kohli’s dominance in ODIs is known for his amazing consistency and ability to chase down targets. His aggressive batting style and unique technique made him the leading run scorer in ODI history.
Kohli’s first win was in In the year He amassed 1,460 runs at an average of 76.84 in 2017, showing his ability to perform at a great level year after year. In the year His third win in 2018 cemented his status as one of cricket’s greats. He scored over 1,200 runs at an impressive average of 133.55.
Kohli’s most recent award came in 2023, where he continued to excel with another impressive year-long series of notable contributions. His ability to adapt to different situations and maintain high standards has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
Also Read: ICC names Azmachullah Omarzai as 2024 Men’s ODI Cricketer
Azmatullah Omarzai: the new star from Afghanistan
In the year As of January 27, 2025, Omarzai, the latest recipient of the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, is Afghanistan’s best performer to date. Omarzai’s rise to international cricket has been meteoric; He has become a key player in Afghanistan due to his all-round ability.
In the year In 2024, Omarzai showed his talent by making significant contributions with both bat and ball. He played crucial innings that helped Afghanistan secure crucial victories against strong teams. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning performances has attracted the attention of cricket fans and pundits alike.
Omarzai’s recognition as the ODI Cricketer of the Year reflects not only his individual achievements but also Afghanistan’s progress in international cricket. Making waves on the international stage as a young player, Omarzai represents a new generation of cricketers pushing boundaries and inspiring future talent from emerging cricketing nations.
A Journey Through Time: List of Winners
| year | Winner | Famous achievements |
| In 2004 | Andrew Flintoff (ENG) | 633 runs, 16 wickets |
| In 2005 | Kevin Peterson (ENG) | 784 runs, at an average of 65.33 |
| In 2006 | Michael Hussey (AUS) | 784 runs at an average of 56 |
| In 2007 | Matthew Hayden (AUS) | 1601 runs, average 59.29 |
| 2008 | MS Dhoni (IND) | 1097 runs, at an average of 57.73 |
| 2009 | MS Dhoni (IND) | 967 runs, at an average of 60.43f |
| 2010 | AB de Villiers (SA) | 964 runs, at an average of 80.33 |
| 2011 | Kumar Sangakkara(SL) | 1127 runs, at an average of 51.22 |
| 2012 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 1026 runs, at an average of 68.40 |
| 2013 | Kumar Sangakkara(SL) | 1201 runs, at an average of 63.21 |
| 2014 | AB de Villiers (SA) | 879 runs, at an average of 73.25 |
| 2015 | AB de Villiers (SA) | 1193 runs, at an average of 79.53 |
| 2016 | Quinton de Kock (SA) | 857 runs, at an average of 57.13 |
| 2017 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 1460 runs, at an average of 76.84 |
| 2018 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 1202 runs, at an average of 133.55 |
| 2019 | Rohit Sharma(IND) | 1490 runs, at an average of 57.30 |
| 2021 | Babar Azam (PAK) | 405 runs, at an average of 67.50 |
| 2022 | Babar Azam (PAK) | 679 runs, at an average of 84.87 |
| 2023 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 1,377 runs, at an average of 72.47 |
dominated by Indian stars
India has produced some amazing talents who have left an indelible mark on ODI cricket, being the recipient of several ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year awards. 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—showing consistent excellence across different eras of cricket.
MS DhoniAnother Indian legend made history by becoming the first player to win back-to-back matches in 2008 and 2009. His leadership and batting prowess had a huge impact on India’s success in ODIs.
The ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year Award not only celebrates the brilliance of individuals, but also demonstrates the evolution of cricket as it continues to inspire millions around the world. As we look forward to future seasons, it will be interesting to see which emerging talents will make it onto this impressive roster and who will continue to dominate the game like their predecessors. The legacy continues every year as players strive to make their mark in cricket history and excel on the field.