Babar Azam, Aliya Riaz win top honours at Pakistan Cricket awards

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was named the 'Most Valuable Cricketer of the Year' at the PCB Awards for 2020.

The 26-year-old was in excellent form throughout the year, topping the run-scoring charts for Pakistan with 835 runs at 69.58 across formats. Azam was also named the white-ball Cricketer of the Year, having averaged 110.50 and 55.20 in ODI and T20I cricket in 2020.

All-rounder Aliya Riaz was named the Women's Cricketer of the Year, following her promising performances in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in Australia. She averaged 80 with the bat in the tournament, notching up scores of 41 and 39 against England and South Africa.

“This award means a lot to me and I will like to contribute to my team’s success in the upcoming seasons by further improving my performances," she said.

Mohammad Rizwan, who is currently leading Pakistan against New Zealand in Babar Azam's absence, received the Test Player of the Year award. The wicket-keeper batter was in top form in the longest format in 2020, accumulating 302 runs at 43.14 and affecting 13 dismissals.

17-year-old Naseem Shah, who made his Test debut in November 2019, was adjudged the Men’s Emerging International Cricketer of the Year. The fast bowler claimed a hat-trick against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi in January, thus becoming the youngest cricketer to the milestone.

“What I have achieved today is only through the prayers of my late mother and, as such, I will dedicate this award to her. When I go out there to play for Pakistan, I have the belief and confidence that she is behind me and continuously supporting and encouraging me go an extra yard and perform for my country," he said.

“I am thankful to the fans and my team-mates for this recognition so early in my career. I remain motivated and committed to do my very best for the team and this award will go a long way in helping me contribute to the team’s objectives and targets.”