As part of the 2021 edition of the ICC Awards, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced today the first set of individual awards with the associate cricketers of the year category in men’s and women’s international cricket. 

The captain of Oman’s men’s cricket team Zeeshan Maqsood was voted as the ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year for his fantastic performance in 2021, including leading his team at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup last year. The left-arm spinner was consistent with his performance across both ODI and T20I and aided his team to several victories throughout the year. 

Leading his side with aplomb, Maqsood also flourished in both batting and bowling roles for Oman in 2021. He played a crucial role as a middle-order batter and picked up wickets consistently. 

Maqsood made the fifties against the USA and Namibia, and was at his consistent best as a bowler, controlling the flow of runs in the middle overs and picking up vital wickets. Maqsood particularly thrived against PNG, registering four wickets against them twice this year, one in an ODI and the other one in at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. His most memorable performance in the year was against PNG at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup where he was also named as the Player of the Match for his performance.

Commenting on receiving the honour Zeeshan Maqsood, said, “I am very delighted to be presented as the ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year. This award surely is one of the biggest achievements in my career and gives me immense pleasure that my efforts have been recognised by the ICC. I would like to thank the Oman Cricket Management, my teammates, support staff, my family, and my organisation to have backed me in all stances to express myself on the field. 2021 has truly been god’s blessing to me in terms of my accolades and leading Oman to flourish to the highest level”.

SOURCE: THEARABIANSTORIES