ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday named Pakistan’s star cricketer Mohammad Rizwan the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year.
The Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter ruled the roost in 2021 when it came to the shortest format of the game, the ICC said.
“Sheer consistency, indomitable spirit and some breathtaking knocks — the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year enjoyed a memorable run in 2021,” the international governing body of cricket said in a statement.
Sheer Consistency, indomitable spirit and some breathtaking knocks
2021 was memorable for Mohammad Rizwan
More https://t.co/9guq9xKOod pic.twitter.com/6VZo7aaRIA
— ICC (@ICC) January 23, 2022
“Aggregating a staggering 1326 runs in only 29 matches, Rizwan struck at an average of 73.66 and a strike-rate of 134.89,” it added. “Apart from his exploits with the bat, he was as solid as ever behind the stumps, playing a key role in Pakistan’s run to the semis during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, where he ended up as the third-highest run-scorer.”
Rizwan took to the Twitter to dedicate this achievement to Pakistan.
“I am grateful to everyone for their support and love,” he said, adding his journey was just beginning and that his award was for “the beautiful people of Pakistan.”
Alhumdulillah.
Bus Allah se hota hai
Allah k ghair se nahi hota.I am grateful to everyone for their support and love. In sha Allah, the journey has just started. This award is dedicated to Pakistan and the beautiful people of Pakistan. #PakistanZindabad https://t.co/RrMYw9YaAN
— Mohammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) January 23, 2022
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) congratulated him on his achievement.
PCB congratulates Mohammad Rizwan on winning ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year 2021 pic.twitter.com/tu7x0peXkl
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 23, 2022
PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja praised Rizwan for his “humility, attitude and hard work,” saying he deserved the recognition.
Many congratulations @iMRizwanPak Well deserved achievement. Your humility, attitude and hard work defines you. Wishing you more laurels and success.
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) January 23, 2022
Discussing Pakistan’s recent match against India, the ICC said it was not easy to chase 152 runs for Rizwan’s team due to the weight of history.
“With the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami in opposition attack, the task was made all the more complicated,” it maintained. “But as was almost always the case in 2021, Rizwan along with his skipper Babar Azam ensured that a famous victory would be sealed that would be celebrated in the history of Pakistan cricket for years to come.”
