The ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year Award has been a prestigious recognition in world cricket since its inception in 2004. Awarded annually by the International Cricket Council (ICC), this honors the best performing player in a One Day ODI (ODIS) during a specified period. The award not only highlights individual brilliance but also reflects the evolution of ODI cricket and competitiveness.
On 27 January 2025, Afghanistan's Azmatullah Afarzai was crowned as the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer, marking a major milestone for both Afghanistan cricket. His selection was based on an impressive year in which he emerged as a standout performer, contributing greatly to his team's successes in various series. Omarzai finished the year as Afghanistan's second-highest goalscorer and scorer, leading his team to victories against formidable opponents such as South Africa and Bangladesh. His performances included a brilliant unbeaten 149 against Sri Lanka and crucial contributions in tight matches, showcasing his ability to deliver when it matters most.
This latest recognition not only celebrates Amzai's individual excellence, but also confirms Afghanistan's growing profile in international cricket. As we delve into the winners of this esteemed award over the years, we will explore their achievements and contributions to the sport, starting with Andrew Flintoff, the inaugural winner.
Andrew Flintoff: Inaugural winner
In 2004, Flintoff, the charismatic pacer from England, became the first recipient of the ICC Men's Odi Cricketer of the Year award. His selection was testament to his outstanding performance in the One Day Internationals (ODIS) during the evaluation period from 1 August 2003, to 31 July 2004. Flintoff's statistics were impressive: he scored 633 runs at an average of 78.71 and took 16 wickets at an average of 20.50 across 12 matches . Notably, he made an impressive high score of 123 runs against the West Indies at Lord's, displaying his ability to perform under pressure.
Flintoff's journey to this award was marked by a major shift in his career. After battling injuries and inconsistent performances earlier in his career, he emerged as a key player for England. His all-round abilities – overcoming explosive batting with efficient bowling – make him a valuable asset to the team. Flintoff's influence extended beyond statistics; He played an important role in England's success in various series, including the memorable Ashes series in 2005, where he was instrumental in reclaiming the Cup from Australia.
Despite facing challenges later in his career, including injuries and personal issues, Flintoff's legacy as a cricketer remains important. He retired from all forms of cricket in 2010, but left behind a rich history of achievement and contributions to English cricket.
Virat Kohli: Most decorated player
Virat KohliThe Indian batting maestro holds the record for men's ODI awards, having won it four times (2012, 2017, 2018 and 2023). Kohli's dominance in ODIs is characterized by his great consistency and ability to chase down goals. His aggressive batting style and exceptional technique have made him one of the most notable offenders in ODI history.
Kohli's first win came in 2012, where he scored over 1000 runs at an average of over 68. This performance paves the way for his future honours. In 2017, he compiled 1460 races at an average of 76.84, demonstrating his ability to perform year after year at an elite level. His third win in 2018 cemented his status as one of cricket's greats; He scored over 1200 races with an amazing average of 133.55.
Kohli's most recent award came in 2023, where he continued to showcase his prowess with another stellar performance that included significant contributions throughout the year. His ability to adapt to different conditions and maintain high standards has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers around the world.
Read also: ICC names Azmatullah Omarzai as men's ODI cricketer of the year 2024
Azmatullah Omarzai: The new star from Afghanistan
As of 27 January 2025, the most recent recipient of the Men's ODI Award is Umarzai of Afghanistan for his performances during the year preceding that date. Omarzai's rise in international cricket has been meteoric. He has become a key player in Afghanistan due to his all-round abilities.
In 2024, Omarzai showcased his talent by contributing significantly with both the bat and the ball. He played crucial roles that helped Afghanistan secure vital victories against stronger teams. His ability to perform under pressure and produce match-winning performances has won over cricket fans and analysts alike.
The recognition of Amrazai as the ODI Cricketer of the Year not only highlights his individual achievements but also reflects Afghanistan's growing presence in international cricket. As a young player making waves on the global stage, Omarzai represents a new generation of cricketers who are pushing boundaries and inspiring future talent from emerging cricketing nations.
Journey Through Time: List of Winners
| year | winner | Remarkable achievements |
| 2004 | Andrew Flintoff (one) | 633 runs, 16 wickets |
| 2005 | Kevin Petersen (ENG) | 784 runs, 65.33 average |
| 2006 | Michael Hasi (from) | 784 runs, average 56 |
| 2007 | Matthew Hayden (from) | 1,601 runs, 59.29 average |
| 2008 | MS Dhoni (India) | 1097 runs, average 57.73 |
| 2009 | MS Dhoni (India) | 967 runs, 60.43F average |
| 2010 | AB from Villiers (SA) | 964 runs, 80.33 average |
| 2011 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 1,127 runs, 51.22 average |
| 2012 | virat kohli (ind) | 1026 runs, 68.40 average |
| 2013 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 1201 runs, average 63.21 |
| 2014 | AB from Villiers (SA) | 879 runs, 73.25 average |
| 2015 | AB from Villiers (SA) | 1,193 runs, 79.53 average |
| 2016 | Quinton de Cook (SA) | 857 runs, 57.13 average |
| 2017 | virat kohli (ind) | 1460 runs, 76.84 average |
| 2018 | virat kohli (ind) | 1202 runs, average 133.55 |
| 2019 | Rohit Sharma (India) | 1490 runs, average 57.30 |
| 2021 | Babar Azzam (PAC) | 405 runs, average 67.50 |
| 2022 | Babar Azzam (PAC) | 679 runs, average 84.87 |
| 2023 | virat kohli (ind) | 1,377 runs, 72.47 average |
Dominance of Indian stars
India has produced some great talents who have left an indelible mark on ODI cricket, being the country with the most men's ODI cricketers in the ICC. 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 – a consistent distinction across different eras of cricket.
Ms. Donnaanother Indian legend, created history by becoming the first player to win back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009. His leadership and batting prowess have greatly influenced India's success in ODIs.
The ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year award not only celebrates but also signals the evolution of cricket as a sport that continues to inspire millions around the world. As we look forward to future seasons, it will be exciting to see which emerging talents will join this illustrious roster and who will continue to dominate the game like their predecessors. The Legacy continues with each passing year as players strive for excellence in the field, making their mark in cricket history.
