The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hosted its prestigious annual Naman Awards in Mumbai, honoring the finest performances in both domestic and international cricket. Established in the 2006-07 season, this grand event has become a benchmark for excellence in Indian cricket. The 2023-24 season witnessed some of the biggest names in the sport, as players were recognized for their outstanding contributions over the past year.
Best International Cricketer (Women) – Smriti Mandhana
India’s vice-captain and batting maestro, Smriti Mandhana, was crowned the Best International Cricketer (Women) for the third time, adding to her previous triumphs in 2020-21, and 2021-22. Smriti’s dominance with the bat was undeniable, as she ended the year with a staggering 747 ODI runs at an average of 57.46. She struck centuries against New Zealand, Australia, and back-to-back tons against South Africa, solidifying her stature as one of the best batters in the world.
Her exploits weren’t limited to ODIs. In Test cricket, she played a memorable knock against South Africa, notching up her second career Test century. The left-hander also showcased her consistency in T20Is, smashing 763 runs in 21 innings, which included eight half-centuries. With this kind of form, it was no surprise that she also bagged the award for Highest Run-Getter in ODIs (Women).
Best International Debut (Women) – Asha Sobhana
Years of hard work and perseverance paid off for Asha Sobhana, who was named the Best International Debut (Women) awardee. The leg-spinner had an inspiring rise to the Indian team, making her T20I debut at the age of 33—the oldest debutant in India’s women’s T20I history. She grabbed the spotlight with her brilliant performance in the WPL 2024, where she played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign.
Asha’s transition to international cricket was seamless. She made her ODI debut against South Africa in June and made an instant impact, finishing with 4 for 21—the second-best figures by an Indian woman on ODI debut. In T20Is, she was equally lethal, scalping 9 wickets at an economy of just 6.39 in six innings. Her standout moment came in the T20 World Cup in Dubai, where she spun a web around Sri Lanka with figures of 3 for 19, proving that age is just a number.
Highest Wicket-Taker in ODIs (Women) – Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma, India’s reliable all-rounder, secured this honour. With 13 wickets in just six matches, Deepti was instrumental in India’s bowling attack, consistently delivering match-winning performances. Her best figures of 5/38 underlined her ability to break crucial partnerships and turn the tide in India’s favor. Whether it was her sharp off-spin or her ability to handle pressure, Deepti once again showcased why she is one of India’s most valuable cricketers.
Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer (Senior Domestic) – Priya Mishra
The best women cricketer (senior) was awarded to Priya Mishra, who had an exceptional season with the ball. She dominated the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy, emerging as the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets from just 8 matches at an astonishing average of 9.86. Her consistency carried over to the Inter Zonal One Day Trophy, where she added 5 wickets from 4 matches to her tally.
Her domestic brilliance earned her a call-up to the national team, and she made her international debut against New Zealand in October. She adapted quickly to the highest level, claiming 15 wickets from 9 matches, with her best figures of 3/49 coming against the West Indies. Priya’s rapid rise is a testament to the depth and talent in Indian women’s cricket.
Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer (Junior Domestic) – Ishwari Awasare
The best women cricketer (junior) went to Ishwari Awasare, who took the domestic circuit by storm. A prolific run-scorer at the junior level, she amassed 481 runs in 8 matches in the Women’s Under-19 One Day Trophy, including a breathtaking 152, finishing with an exceptional average of 80.17.
Her brilliance extended to the shorter format as well, where she played a key role in the Women’s Under-19 T20 Trophy, scoring 325 runs from 8 matches, with a high score of 79 and an average of 40.63. At just 19, Ishwari has already shown immense promise, and her performances suggest that she could be a future mainstay of the Indian women’s team.
Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments – Mumbai
The award was bagged by the Mumbai Cricket Association, which enjoyed a golden season across formats. Mumbai’s women’s team was dominant, winning the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy and the Women’s U19 One Day Trophy.
Their men’s performed equally well as the team lifted the Ranji Trophy for a record 42nd time, reaffirming their status as the powerhouse of Indian cricket, while the men’s youth squad clinched the Vijay Merchant Trophy. This collective success across multiple tournaments showcased Mumbai’s unmatched cricketing legacy and the strength of their grassroots development.
The BCCI Naman Awards 2024 was a celebration of perseverance, hard work, and excellence. From seasoned stalwarts like Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma to rising stars like Priya Mishra and Ishwari Awasare, the event highlighted the incredible talent in Indian cricket. With the domestic and international arenas buzzing with stellar performances, the future of Indian cricket looks brighter than ever.
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