Babar Azam named ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year for the 2nd straight year.

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam on Thursday was picked as Men's ODI Player of the Year for the second time in a row by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his 'match-winning knocks [and] spell-binding stroke-play'.

The ICC noted that Azam last year amassed 679 runs from just nine ODIs at an average of 84.87, with three centuries and five half-centuries.

Moreover, he maintained his lead as the number-one ranked batter on ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings - a title that he has held on to since July 2021.

The ICC praised the skipper for his role as the Pakistan captain as well, 'leading his team with aplomb and to just one loss throughout the year', which was against Australia in Lahore.

Cricket statistician Mazher Arshad remarked on Azam's accomplishment: 'Before him, no one from Pakistan had received this award. Truly an ODI great.'

Memorable performance

Recognising the outstanding player for his noteworthy achievements, the ICC highlighted his score of 114 against Australia...