Jasprit Bumrah has been named the Leading Men’s Cricketer in the World in the 2025 Wispen Cricketers’ Almanack in a historic acceptance of his supremacy throughout the media. Renowned for his unorthodox action and lethal accuracy, the Indian fast bowler reached a historic mark in 2024 by being the first in Test history to accumulate 200 wickets at an average of less than 20. His remarkable performance has even sparked discussions among cricket fans on platforms like the Bpexch App, where users actively track and celebrate cricketing milestones.
Wisden editor Lawrence Booth hailed Bumrah’s efforts, calling him “quite simply the star of the year.” His match-winning spells in the T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean confirmed his reputation as one of the best fast bowlers of all time, together with his impressive 71 Test wickets at an average of under 15.
With 32 wickets at an average of 13.06, Bumrah’s most outstanding series came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he single-handedly destroyed the opposition.
Booth’s homage caught the crux of his genius: “He was so lethal, so uniquely challenging—a staccato of limbs somehow forming a symphony—that runs scored off him should have counted double… he laid a claim to be considered the greatest of all time.”
Leading Women’s Cricketer Smriti Mandhana Shines
Having completed an Indian double, Smriti Mandhana was crowned Leading Woman’s Cricketer of the Year by Wisden. Including four ODI centuries, another record, the refined left-handed batter tallied 1,659 runs across forms in 2024—the greatest by any woman in a calendar year.
Her best performance came in a Test against South Africa, where she hit a stunning 149 to help India win by 10 wickets. Mandhana’s flare and consistency have confirmed her position among the modern greats of women’s cricket.
Nicholas Pooran Excels in T20 Cricket
Leading T20 Cricketer of the Year in West Indies: Explosive wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran. He was the most outstanding T20 player of 2024 with his fearless hitting and match-winning exploits in franchise leagues and international cricket.
Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year: Surrey Stars Shine.
With three of their players qualifying after leading the county to a third consecutive Championship win, the esteemed Five Cricketers of the Year award—a once-in-a-career honor based on accomplishments in the English season—saw a significant Surrey effect.
1. Gus Atkinson: English Breakthrough Star
After a 12-wicket haul on Lord’s first against the West Indies, Atkinson declared himself on the Test stage with a five-for and a maiden century against Sri Lanka. His 52 wickets at 22 in his first Test year defined England’s next major fast-bowling prospect.
2. Jamie Smith: a rising wicketkeeper.
Batter Smith’s refined strokeplay and sharp glovework earned him a Test call-up, where he made vital contributions. His Surrey achievements greatly helped them become domestically dominant.
3. Dan Worrall – The Dependable Seamer
Now qualified for England, the Australia-born Worrall was Surrey’s bowling spearhead, accumulating 52 wickets at 16 with unrelenting accuracy. His seam bowling greatly influenced Surrey’s success.
4. Liam Dawson—Spin from Hampshire
Claiming 54 wickets with his left-arm spin and collecting 956 runs at an average of over 60, King Dawson was the most effective all-rounder in County Cricket.
5. Sophie Ecclestone—England’s Spin Sensation
Notwithstanding a difficult T20 World Cup and Ashes, Ecclestone dominated England’s home season. She ranked top wicket-taker in T20Is and accumulated 26 wickets at under 10 each. Her fewer than three runs per over economic rate underlined her control.
Pune Masterclass Wins by Mitchell Santner Earns Wispen Trophy
Following his 13-wicket haul against India, Mitchell Santner of New Zealand won the Wispen Trophy for the year’s most outstanding performance. India’s first home series loss since 2012, his efforts helped New Zealand to achieve a record 3-0 whitewash.
Booth Slams Cricket’s Governance Crisis
In his editor’s notes, Lawrence Booth attacked cricket’s governance, labeling 2024 as the year “cricket gave up any claim to be properly administered.” He underlined Jay Shah’s sudden change of position from BCCI secretary to ICC chairman in response to disagreements about the Champions Trophy site.
Booth also questioned the format of the World Test Championship, likening the forthcoming Australia against South Africa final to a “shambles masquerading as a showpiece.”
Regarding The Hundred’s financial success, he spoke of a widening gulf between host and non-host counties and questioned the league’s long-term viability.
Remembering Legends: Anderson, Underwood, and Thorpe
The Almanack honored James Anderson, who retired with 704 Test wickets, and recalled two English greats who died in 2024:
recalled by former captain Mike Brearley, Derek Underwood
Graham Thorpe’s sad demise was poignantly described by Amanda Thorpe, his widow, who also talked about his mental health issues.
“He made great effort to outshine it. He seemed to be in the hold of an illness he simply could not shake.”
To read more blog: David Warner Joins Seattle Orcas for Major League Cricket 2025
In the end, a year of Challenges and Triumphs
The 2025 Wisden Almanack celebrates Jasprit Bumrah’s historic year, Smriti Mandhana’s supremacy, and the emergence of fresh talents like Gus Atkinson. It also reminds us, though, of the administrative errors in cricket and the human struggles its heroes must endure.
