Latest news with #Women'sCricketeroftheYear
Al Etihad
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Oza hails UAE's historic ODI Status for women cricketers
8 May 2025 00:08 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)In a landmark moment for women's cricket, the UAE women's team has officially been granted One Day International (ODI) status for the 2025–2029 cycle – an achievement that UAE captain Esha Oza says is a "testament to the hard work and belief" shown by her team over the announcement by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which also includes Thailand, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland as recipients or retainers of ODI status, marks a turning point in the global expansion of the women's game. With the addition of these associate nations, the total number of women's teams with ODI status now rises to 16."Getting ODI status is a massive step forward for us," said Oza even as the announcement came while the UAE is coincidentally in Bangkok, Thailand. "It's something we've been working towards, and to finally have it is a proud moment for everyone involved in UAE women's cricket," she women played a quadrangular Twenty20 international series, which ended on Tuesday, just ahead of the Asia Qualifier for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, beginning on Friday. Oza has been leading by example on a consistent basis over the past year and a half, and that reflects in her also being adjudged the ICC Associate Women's Cricketer of the Year in UAE's ODI status was secured following their steady climb in the ICC Women's T20I rankings, where they overtook the United States to claim the 16th spot. This ascent not only showcases the UAE's growing strength in the shorter format but also underscores their eligibility to join the elite ranks of the ODI however, said the significance of the accomplishment lies beyond just cricketing statistics. "This recognition is not only about performance but also about belief – belief that associate nations like us can compete, grow, and make a mark on the world stage," she also pointed to the broader impact of this elevation for women in sport across the region. "This achievement is bigger than just our team – it's a win for women's sport in the UAE and the Gulf. We hope it inspires more girls to take up cricket and believe they can represent their country at the highest level," she teams like Scotland and Thailand gained ODI status through their performances at the 2026 Women's ODI World Cup Qualifiers in Pakistan, with Scotland recording notable wins, while Thailand struggled. Meanwhile, PNG and the Netherlands retained their status through their current ICC the USA women's team leads an ODI series against Zimbabwe, their inconsistency in recent years led to the loss of their ODI status – opening the door for rising teams like the UAE to step the ICC continues to prioritise the development of the women's game, Oza remains focused on the path ahead. "This is just the beginning. Our goal is to not just be part of the conversation but to be real contenders on the global stage," she two weeks time, their men counterparts have been set up by Emirates Cricket Board for a two-match T20 internationals with Bangladesh, the matches to be played in Sharjah on May 17 and the shorter format is being preferred over the ODIs, the UAE women will have to play at least eight ODIs in this four-year cycle to maintain the newfound status. With momentum building from current fixtures in the T20 format, the UAE women's team is poised for an exciting chapter in its cricketing journey – one that could inspire a new generation of talent from emerging cricketing nations and more recognition for the national cricketers.
Al Jazeera
28-01-2025
- Sport
- Al Jazeera
Jasprit Bumrah, Amelia Kerr named ICC Cricketers of the Year
India's pace bowling maestro Jasprit Bumrah has been named the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Men's Cricketer of the Year 2024, while New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr has won the Women's Cricketer of the Year award. Bumrah and Kerr won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy respectively as the ICC named its top award winners on Tuesday. It was Bumrah's second award in two days as he was also named the Men's Test Cricketer of the Year on Monday, while Kerr won the Women's T20 Cricketer of the Year award on Saturday. Bumrah, who is also India's Test vice-captain, returned to the five-day format in late 2023 following a lengthy absence due to a back injury. The right-arm quick, 31, was the leading wicket-taker in international Test cricket in 2024, topping the charts with 71, well clear of second-placed Gus Atkinson of England (52 in 11 matches). His bowling average across the year was a breathtaking 14.92 and he ended 2024 with a strike rate for the year of just 30.1. 'Test cricket has always been a format I hold close to my heart, and to be recognised on this platform is truly special,' Bumrahsaid, after being named the top player in the sport's oldest format. Bumrah beat England batsmen Harry Brook and Joe Root as well as Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis to the award, given by the game's governing body. Smriti Mandhana made it a double success for India as she was voted women's one-day international cricketer of the year for the second time. The opening batter scored 747 runs at an average of 57.46 in the calendar year as she clinched her second ICC ODI award since 2018. 'It is an immense joy and a matter of pride to represent my country at the highest level and it makes me happy to play a role in helping the team succeed,' India's all-format vice-captain Mandhana said. 'I want to dedicate this award to my teammates, coaches and family who have been my absolute pillars of support.' Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai clinched the men's ODI award after scoring 417 runs and taking 17 wickets in the year. Unassuming pace bowler Arshdeep Singh, who played a vital role in India's T20 World Cup-winning campaign in 2024, was named the Men's T20 Cricketer of the Year. Singh was also included in the all-star T20 Team of the Year, alongside compatriots Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Bumrah. Sri Lankan batter Kamindu Mendis, who had a breakthrough year with 1,451 runs across all formats, was named the Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year honour as South African all-rounder Annerie Dercksen won in the women's category. Full list of ICC Awards 2024 winners
