Matthew Lewis, an acclaimed cricket photographer, has secured the prestigious Wisden Photo of the Year award for the third time. His impressive win, celebrated by the cricket community, highlights his remarkable ability to capture the essence of the game. Since the award’s inception in 2010, Lewis remains the only photographer to have won it more than once, adding to his accolades from 2014 and 2022.
Wisden Photo of the Year: A Captivating Moment
This year’s standout photograph was taken during the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup. The event took place on November 2, 2022, in Navi Mumbai, where India triumphed over South Africa, securing their first senior women’s global title. In a unique moment, the DJ at the venue encouraged spectators to turn on their phone torches. Lewis captured a dynamic image featuring Harmanpreet Kaur calling for the ball, creating an illusion of multiple cricket balls in the frame.
Judges Praise the Winning Shot
Patrick Eagar, a prominent cricket photographer and jury member, praised Lewis’s submission. He noted how modern photography often results in technically sound but uninspired images. Eagar stated that Lewis’s photograph stood out, combining humour and a playful element, which resonated with viewers. It was described as a contemporary shot from a floodlit match, bringing joy and a touch of intrigue.
Winners from Other Categories
The 2025 Wisden competition featured three categories: men’s professional cricket, women’s professional cricket, and recreational cricket. Each category produced outstanding talent:
- Men’s Professional Winner: Andrew Boyers, for his photo of Pat Cummins catching Marco Jansen during the World Test Championship final.
- Recreational Category Winner: Jed Leicester, who captured the emotional celebration of the Overstone Park Under-13s girls’ team at Lord’s.
Lewis’s winning image, along with other award-winning entries, will be showcased in the upcoming 2026 edition of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, set for release on April 16, 2026. His remarkable talent continues to shine, contributing richly to cricket’s visual storytelling.
