The CEAT Cricket Awards, now in its 26th year, have once again highlighted the pinnacle of cricketing achievements, recognising players for their outstanding performances across various formats of the game. This year’s ceremony, held on 21 August 2024 in Mumbai, was a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal and the talent it fosters.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to none other than Rahul Dravid, whose contributions to Indian cricket as both a player and coach have been monumental. Dravid’s legacy was celebrated with a standing ovation, marking his journey from a reliable batsman to a coach who led India to T20 World Cup glory in June.
Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, was named Men’s International Cricketer of the Year. His leadership and performance across formats, especially in ODIs where he was the second-highest run-scorer in the 2023 World Cup, underscored his pivotal role in Indian cricket.
Virat Kohli clinched the Men’s ODI Batter of the Year award, a testament to his consistency and brilliance with the bat. His record-breaking performance in the ODI World Cup, where he equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most centuries, further cemented his status as one of cricket’s greats.
Mohammad Shami was honoured as the Men’s ODI Bowler of the Year, his 24 wickets in the World Cup being a highlight of his year. His ability to deliver under pressure made him a standout performer.
In the Test format, Yashasvi Jaiswal was awarded Test Batter of the Year for his remarkable 712 runs against England, showcasing his potential as a future star. Ravichandran Ashwin continued his legacy by winning the Test Bowler of the Year award, his off-spin proving crucial in India’s Test victories.
The T20I accolades went to Phil Salt for Men’s T20I Batter of the Year and Tim Southee for Men’s T20I Bowler of the Year, reflecting their dominance in the shortest format of the game.
On the domestic front, Sai Kishore was recognised as the Domestic Cricketer of the Year, highlighting the importance of domestic cricket in nurturing talent.
The women’s cricket scene also saw its share of accolades. Smriti Mandhana was named Women’s Indian Batter of the Year, while Deepti Sharma took home the Women’s Indian Bowler of the Year award. Harmanpreet Kaur was celebrated for her leadership, having captained the most matches in Women’s T20I history.
Shreyas Iyer received a special mention for Outstanding Leadership in the IPL, and Shafali Verma was recognised for her Fastest Double Century in Women’s Test, showcasing the bright future of women’s cricket.
The ceremony also honoured Jay Shah with the Award for Excellence in Sports Administration, acknowledging his role in cricket’s governance.
The CEAT Cricket Awards 2024 were not just a celebration of individual achievements but also a reflection of cricket’s global appeal and its continuous evolution. From seasoned players to emerging talents, the awards encapsulated the spirit and growth of the sport.