Babar, the former top-ranked batter in the format, earned his nomination alongside India’s Arshdeep Singh, Australia’s Travis Head, and Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza.

Despite the inconsistent year with the bat, Babar made 738 runs in 24 matches, with the average of 33.54, featuring six half-centuries and nearly 100 boundaries. Moreover, his strike rate improved over the year, reaching 133.21 runs per 100 balls.

Babar Azam’s standout performance came during the three-match away series against Ireland, just before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, where he scored an impressive 75 off 42 balls, including six fours and five sixes, at a remarkable strike rate of 178.57.

India’s left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh had an exceptional year, claiming 36 wickets in 18 matches at an outstanding average of 13.5, with his best bowling figures being 4/9. His most memorable performance came in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, where, alongside ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, he played a key role in guiding India to victory with his precise death bowling.

Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, nominated for the prestigious award for the third consecutive year, continued to shine for the Chevrons. Raza amassed 573 runs in 24 matches at an average of 28.65, with a highest score of 133 not out, achieved during Zimbabwe’s unbeaten campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup sub-regional Africa Qualifier.

Meanwhile, Australia’s Travis Head, who earned his first extended run in the T20I lineup since debuting in 2016, showcased his skill in the format by amassing 539 runs in 15 matches at an average of 38.5, with a highest score of 80.