Pakistan's opening batsman and wicket-keeper, Mohammad Rizwan has been named as the T20I Cricketer of the year by International Cricket Council (ICC).
Rizwan, who was the third-highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup, scored 1326 runs in 29 matches at an average of 73.66 and a strike rate of 134.89 in 2021. Rizwan played a pivotal role in the T20 World Cup chase against India where he scored 79 runs in 55 balls.
While offering the T20I Cricketer Of The Year Award to the Pakistani opener, ICC stated that "Sheer Consistency, indomitable spirit, and some breathtaking knocks — the ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year enjoyed a memorable run in 2021."
Writing about Rizwan's performance against India, ICC said: "Rizwan smacked 79* in only 55 deliveries, hitting six fours and three sixes. The ease with which he countered the Indian bowling attack was a thing of sheer beauty. He ensured that there were no hiccups in the run-chase as Pakistan galloped towards the target without losing a single wicket to seal a 10-wicket victory."
Tammy Beaumont, on the other hand, has been named the women's Player of the Year for 2021, while Janneman Malan has been named the emerging cricketer of the year.
"With another T20 World Cup coming up next year, Pakistan will hope that Rizwan continues in the same vein," the ICC statement read.