Cricket, often considered a timeless sport, has seen remarkable changes over the past two decades. From the rise of T20 formats to shifts in playing styles, the landscape of cricket has evolved significantly since 2000. As we approach the mid-point of the 21st century, it’s important to reflect on the players who have defined this era. A recent initiative sought to highlight the top men’s international cricketers of the century.
Selection Process for Top Men’s International Cricketers
The selection began with a comprehensive longlist of over 70 cricketers. This list was curated based on player statistics and notable achievements. Following a thorough evaluation by senior editorial staff, the longlist was condensed to 30 names. A distinguished panel of former players and cricket commentators was then engaged to choose their top 25 cricketers from this shortlist.
Key Jury Members
- Ajit Agarkar – Former India fast bowler and selector
- Wasim Akram – Former Pakistan fast bowler and captain
- Ian Bishop – Former West Indies fast bowler and broadcaster
- Mark Boucher – Former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter and coach
- Carlos Brathwaite – Former West Indies all-rounder
- Greg Chappell – Former Australia batter and selector
- Allan Donald – Former South Africa fast bowler
- Faf du Plessis – Former South Africa batter and captain
- Aaron Finch – Former Australia batter and captain
- Andy Flower – Former Zimbabwe batter and former England coach
- David Gower – Former England batter and broadcaster
- Stephen Harmison – Former England fast bowler
- Matthew Hayden – Former Australia batter
- Shan Masood – Pakistan batter and captain
- Tom Moody – Former Australia all-rounder and coach
- Angelo Mathews – Former Sri Lanka all-rounder and captain
- Eoin Morgan – Former England batter and broadcaster
- Irfan Pathan – Former India all-rounder
- Cheteshwar Pujara – Former India batter
- Ravi Shastri – Former India all-rounder and broadcaster
- Tim Southee – Former New Zealand fast bowler and captain
- Ross Taylor – Former New Zealand batter and captain
- Jonathan Trott – Former England batter and coach
- Daniel Vettori – Former New Zealand all-rounder and captain
- Shane Watson – Former Australia all-rounder
Recognizing Outstanding T20 Players
In addition to the traditional list, a separate evaluation focused on T20 performances. A dedicated jury assessed the best men’s T20 batter and bowler. This highlighted the growing importance of T20 cricket in shaping the future of the game.
Jury for Best T20 Player
- R Ashwin – Former India bowler
- Ian Bishop – Former West Indies fast bowler
- Shane Bond – Former New Zealand fast bowler
- Carlos Brathwaite – Former West Indies all-rounder
- Rahul Dravid – Former India batter and coach
- Faf du Plessis – Former South Africa captain
- Aaron Finch – Former Australia batter
- Stephen Fleming – Former New Zealand captain
- Andy Flower – Former Zimbabwe batter
- Matthew Hayden – Former Australia batter
- Irfan Pathan – Former India all-rounder
- Tom Moody – Former Australia all-rounder
- Ambati Rayudu – Former India batter
- Dale Steyn – Former South Africa bowler
- Daniel Vettori – Former New Zealand all-rounder
As the cricketing landscape continues to evolve, the legacies of these players will undoubtedly inspire future generations. The collective efforts to recognize the greatest performers of the last two decades showcase the sport’s rich history and its promising future.
