ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024: 'Associate XI!' Fans stunned as no players from India, Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand featured in the list

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The ICC ODI Team of the Year 2024 announcement has left fans stunned as it features no players from traditional cricketing powerhouses like India, Australia, England, South Africa, or New Zealand.

Instead, the team comprises four Sri Lankans, three Pakistanis, and two Afghan players, marking a significant shift in global cricketing trends. Let's take a look at some of the fans' reactions.

One fan reasoned, "India, Australia, and England played more T20s and Tests in 2024, which explains their absence."

Another fan tweeted, "No players from New Zealand, Australia, England, and India? This is really rare!" Some fans questioned the ICC's selection process, saying, "Lolzz, the panel must be high on special stuff when they came out with this list."

Others appreciated the diversity, stating, "This could indicate a standout year for players from other nations or a shift in global cricket trends."

While some poked fun, calling it an "Associate XI," others believed this team could compete with any top-ranked side, showcasing the growing talent pool beyond traditional powerhouses.

As far as the team is concerned, the opening duo features Pakistan's Saim Ayub, who scored 515 runs in nine matches at an average of 64, and Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz, with 531 runs in 11 matches. Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka slots in at No. 3, amassing 694 runs in 12 matches with an astonishing average of 106.

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka leads the middle order with 742 runs in 17 matches, while Kusal Mendis serves as the wicketkeeper with identical stats. West Indian Sharfane Rutherford rounds off the batting lineup with his explosive 429 runs at a strike rate of 120 and an average of 106 in nine games.

Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai earns a spot for his dual contributions: 17 wickets and an average of 52 with the bat in 12 matches. Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga takes the lead in spin bowling, having picked up 26 wickets in 10 matches, including a best of 7/19.

Pakistan's pace duo Shaheen Shah Afridi (15 wickets in six matches) and Haris Rauf (13 wickets in eight matches) add firepower to the bowling attack, while teenage Afghan off-spinner Allah Ghazanfar completes the XI with his 21 wickets in 11 matches. The exclusion of players from India, Australia, and other cricketing giants sparked widespread reactions online.