Not Smriti Mandhana, New Zealand's Amelia Kerr named ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year 2024

New Zealand’s star all-rounder Amelia Kerr, on January 28 (Tuesday), became the first player from her country to win the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy after being named the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year 2024.

Kerr, who was also named the ICC T20I Women's Cricketer of the Year, played a key role in the White Ferns winning this year’s T20 World Cup. Kerr was named Player of the Finale against South Africa after scoring 43 runs and claiming three wickets. She was also the Player of the Tournament. 

The 24-year-old produced impressive numbers throughout the last 12 months. In 18 T20Is in 2024, Kerr hit 387 runs at an average of 24.18 and also picked up 29 wickets @ 15.6. Then in the 50-over format, Kerr managed 264 runs in nine ODIs @ 33 and 14 wickets @ 27.4.

"It's a huge honour to win the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year. I guess for me individual awards aren't something you think about much, but this is an extremely special one,” said Kerr.

"It's nice to be able to contribute for New Zealand, I guess that's all any cricketer wants is to work hard and put out performances for their teammates. There are so many people that have helped me achieve what I have, and I'm very grateful for the support network I have around me."

Kerr beat Laura Wolvaardt, Chamari Athapaththu and Annabel Sutherland to win the top honour in the women’s game.

Earlier, India's Smriti Mandhana was named the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. Mandhana scored 747 runs in 13 innings across 2024 at an impressive average of 57.86 and she scored at an impressive strike rate of 95.15.