Babar Azam and Ben Stokes scoop ICC awards

Playmakers Babar Azam and Ben Stokes have been recognised by the ICC for their efforts in the 2022 season.

Azam was named ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year for his exploits with Pakistan. The batter accumulated no less than 679 runs over his nine matches, achieving a superlative average of 84.87.

The skipper also recorded three consecutive centuries, one of which was integral in Pakistan recording their highest-ever run chase. Azam brought up his hundred in just 73 balls and went on to make 114 as the hosts chased down a mammoth 349 to defeat Australia in Lahore in March.

His incredible year with the bat has propelled his ODI career average to an impressive 59.41.

Meanwhile, Stokes was named the ICC Men's Test Player of the Year after starring in the whites for England in 2022.

The new Test captain contributed all around, scoring 870 runs at an average of 36.25 and picking up 26 wickets at 31.19.

But perhaps the most important aspect Stokes' accolade is the impact he had on England's Test team. Since taking over as captain under new coach Brendan McCullum, Stokes had led them to nine wins from ten Tests.

The manner of the victories have also been astonishing, with Stokes buying into the new "Bazball" approach, leading to incredible numbers such as England's 506/4 on the opening day of their first Test against Pakistan.