ICC Shortlists Player of the Tournament Nominees for T20 World Cup 2026; Sanju Samson Included
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the nominees for the Player of the Tournament in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. India’s Sanju Samson is the only Indian player to make the list.
According to the ICC, eight players have been shortlisted. Only New Zealand, the tournament finalists, and South Africa have two players each in the running.
Player of the Tournament Nominees – T20 WC 2026
Sanju Samson (India) – 4 matches, 232 runs, 77.33 average, 201.73 strike rate
Samson has been in excellent form, earning consecutive Player of the Match awards in India’s last two games, including the Super 8s win over West Indies (97* off 50 balls) and the semi-final (89 off 42 balls), leading India’s charge.
Will Jacks (England) – 8 matches, 226 runs, 9 wickets
The English all-rounder has played a key role in England winning six of eight matches. Jacks earned four Player of the Match awards, excelling as a lower-order finisher and off-spinner, notably against Italy (53* off 22 balls) and Sri Lanka (3/22 in four overs).
Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan) – 7 matches, 383 runs, 76.60 average, 160.25 strike rate
Farhan was a standout in Pakistan’s otherwise inconsistent campaign. He scored 383 runs, including two centuries, setting a record for the most runs in a single edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup, though Pakistan fell short of reaching the semifinals.
Lungi Ngidi (South Africa) – 7 matches, 12 wickets, 7.19 economy
Ngidi has been a key figure in South Africa’s pace attack. He delivered consistent performances, including a four-wicket haul against Canada and crucial spells against Afghanistan and West Indies, maintaining tight control even in matches against India.
Aiden Markram (South Africa) – 8 matches, 286 runs, 1 wicket
Markram was pivotal to South Africa’s campaign, scoring three half-centuries and guiding successful run-chases against New Zealand (86*) and West Indies (86*). His lone wicket came against India, helping secure a comfortable victory.
Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) – 8 matches, 11 wickets, 128 runs
Ravindra made important contributions with both bat and ball. He impressed against Sri Lanka (32 runs and 4/27) and England (3/19), supporting New Zealand’s journey to the final.
Shadley van Schalkwyk (USA) – 4 matches, 13 wickets, 6.80 economy
Despite the USA exiting after the group stage, van Schalkwyk was among the tournament’s top bowlers. He took 13 wickets in four matches, including two four-wicket hauls against India (4/?) and Pakistan (4/25).
Tim Seifert (New Zealand) – 8 matches, 274 runs, 45.66 average, 161.17 strike rate
Seifert has been a key contributor for New Zealand, scoring three half-centuries. His 58 in the semi-final against South Africa, shared in a 117-run opening partnership with Finn Allen, was crucial in securing a comfortable chase. (Agency)
