DUBAI: Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam bagged Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year for 2022.
Babar, who was earlier named ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year, has now made his claim on the most coveted ICC award, overpowering England’s Ben Stokes, New Zealand’s Tim Southee and Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza – the other three competitors on the list.
Meanwhile, the star batter became the second Pakistani player to claim the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy after fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who received the award last year.
Babar had an unforgettable year with the bat as he was the only player to breach the 2000-run mark in the calendar year 2022. His 2598 runs from 44 matches came at an average of 54.12, which included eight centuries and 15 fifties.
“The winner of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year had a year to remember in 2022.” said ICC in a media release on Thursday.
“The 2021 ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year continued to rule in the 50-over format, scoring 679 runs in nine matches. It is a testament to his consistency that he registered scores of 50 or more in eight of those innings. He continues to hold on to his top spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings and it was no surprise to see the 28-year-old crowned the ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year for a second consecutive year.”
