Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis has been named the ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2024 after a phenomenal year in international cricket. The 26-year-old left-handed batter delivered exceptional performances across all formats, amassing 1,451 runs at an average above 50 and solidifying his place as one of the brightest talents in world cricket.
Mendis played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s historic campaign, helping the team qualify for their first-ever ICC World Test Championship Final. His consistency throughout the year included five centuries and three fifties, with key contributions in victories over New Zealand, Bangladesh, and England.
One of his standout moments came during the second Test against New Zealand in Galle, where Mendis recorded a career-best 182* in the first innings. His masterful knock, featuring 16 boundaries and four sixes, helped Sri Lanka post a commanding total of 602/5 and secure a 2-0 series sweep.
Mendis also achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the joint-third fastest batter to score 1,000 Test runs, equalling the legendary Sir Don Bradman by reaching the milestone in just 13 innings.
In his acceptance speech, Mendis expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying:
“Winning two ICC Player of the Month Awards in 2024, along with being named the ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year, fills me with immense joy and pride. These accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my game, with the unwavering support of my coaches, teammates, family, and friends.”
The young cricketer also acknowledged the talent of his fellow nominees — Gus Atkinson, Shamar Springer, and Saim Ayub — and expressed his commitment to achieving even greater heights in the sport.
“Playing international cricket has always been a childhood dream, and having the chance to showcase my skills on such a platform is both an honour and a result of relentless effort,” Mendis added.
With his early success in international cricket, Kamindu Mendis is set to become a key figure in Sri Lanka’s cricketing future.
