Shaheen Afridi named ICC men’s cricketer of the year

Shaheen Shah Afridi has been named the winner of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Player of the Year in 2021.

Mohammad Rizwan, England captain Joe Root and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson were also nominated for the prestigious award.

Throughout 2021, Shaheen Shah Afridi demonstrated exceptional bowling, dismissing some of the top batters in all three formats. He had a standout year in Tests and T20Is, peaking during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the UAE, where he dazzled everyone with his shear speed and order.

He would take seven wickets in six matches during Pakistan's progress to the semi-finals of the tournament. Throughout the calendar year, he dominated the shortest format, taking 23 wickets in 21 matches, with his bowling attack improving by great strides.

Afridi burst into life during the home series against South Africa, after a difficult start to the year in Test cricket in New Zealand. He maintained his outstanding form throughout the year's away tours to Zimbabwe, the West Indies, and Bangladesh. In total, he took 47 wickets in nine matches at an astounding average of 17.06.