Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah and elegant batter Smriti Mandhana have been honored with the prestigious Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer for their exceptional performances during the 2023–24 season. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to recognize these outstanding athletes at the annual Naman Awards ceremony scheduled for February 1, 2025, held in Mumbai.
For Bumrah, this accolade follows his recent triumph as the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024. His performances throughout the year have been nothing short of remarkable, solidifying his reputation as one of the best bowlers across all formats of the game.
During the T20 World Cup held last year, Bumrah played a pivotal role, guiding India to victory by taking 15 wickets at an average of 8.26, and his contributions earned him the Player of the Tournament award. One of his most memorable spells came against Pakistan, where he recorded figures of 3 for 14, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Not just limited to limited overs, Bumrah also showcased phenomenal skill during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he finished as the leading wicket-taker with 32 scalps. His exceptional performance across 13 Test matches throughout the year yielded 71 wickets, strengthening his case as India's top-ranked Test bowler.
"Bumrah is widely regarded as the best all-formats bowler" within the cricketing community, reflecting his unmatched skill and consistency, which has earned him several accolades, including becoming the first Indian pacer to win the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Award.
On the women's side, Smriti Mandhana, the newly crowned ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year, enjoyed remarkable success. Her tally of 743 runs during the calendar year featured four centuries—an unprecedented record for women's cricket. Mandhana delivered consistent performances with an impressive average of 57.86 and demonstrated her aggressive yet elegant batting style, leading her to score over 100 boundaries.
"Mandhana scored four ODI centuries, which is a record for the women’s game," marking another feather in her cap. Her performances have not only granted her personal accolades but have also brought substantial pride to Indian women's cricket.
Both players have not only achieved personal milestones but have also contributed significantly to their teams, with Bumrah’s prowess on the field leading to India's resurgence as one of the dominant teams internationally. Mandhana’s achievements have highlighted the growing stature of women's cricket, where she continues to inspire numerous young athletes.
Along with Bumrah and Mandhana, the BCCI will also spotlight Ravichandran Ashwin, who is set to receive the BCCI Special Award, acknowledging his legendary career, which includes over 765 international wickets before his retirement. This year's ceremony will also pay tribute to cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, who will be honored with the Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, solidifying his everlasting legacy within the sport.
The BCCI Awards, celebrated annually since 2006-07, aim to recognize the best talents and performances across diverse categories within the sport. The event serves as a platform to showcase not only the athletes' skill but also to engage with the passionate cricketing community.
With such notable honors being awarded, the ceremony on February 1 promises to be a celebration of excellence, uniting players and fans alike to appreciate the milestones reached over the past year. The impressive performances showcased by Bumrah, Mandhana, and others serve as motivation for future cricketing talents.