In a night dominated by spin bowlers, Keshav Maharaj and Nonkululeko Mlaba were the big winners at the Cricket South Africa (CSA) awards, taking home the prestigious Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year titles, respectively. The ceremony in Johannesburg celebrated the top performers of the 2024-25 season, which saw the Proteas men’s and women’s teams reach the finals of their respective T20 World Cups.
Keshav Maharaj’s spin mastery earns top men’s honour
Left-arm orthodox spinner Maharaj was recognized as the SA Men’s Player of the Year, capping off a remarkable season with the ball across all formats. His Test bowling was particularly outstanding, as he claimed a stunning 40 wickets in just seven Tests between August 2024 and January 2025. These stellar performances included a five-wicket haul in Chattogram and Gqeberha and two four-wicket hauls against the West Indies. His vital contributions were also evident in the T20 World Cup, where he finished as South Africa’s third-highest wicket-taker. This is the second time Maharaj has earned this coveted award, with the first coming in 2022, solidifying his status as one of South Africa’s most consistent and impactful players.
The Test team’s success was further celebrated with captain Temba Bavuma winning the Test Player of the Year award. His leadership and two crucial centuries during the home summer, against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, were instrumental in the team’s journey to the World Test Championship final. Bavuma also received the SA Fans’ Player of the Year award, a testament to his popularity and the admiration he commands from the South African cricketing public.
Nonkululeko Mlaba’s dominance crowns her the queen of the night
On the women’s side, left-arm spinner Mlaba was the undisputed star, “cleaning up” at the awards with a staggering four accolades. She was named the SA Women’s Player of the Year, the Women’s T20I Player of the Year, and the Women’s Players’ Player of the Year. A highlight of her season was becoming the first South African woman to take a 10-wicket haul in a Test match against England in December 2024 (10 for 157), a historic feat that cemented her as a force to be reckoned with. She was also the second-highest wicket-taker at the T20 World Cup 2024, showcasing her brilliance in the shortest format of the game. Her emotional reaction to the awards reflected the culmination of her hard work and the respect she has earned from her peers.
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A look at other notable winners
- Men’s T20I Player of the Year: The award went to fast bowler Anrich Nortje for his standout performance as the team’s leading bowler at the T20 World Cup.
- Men’s ODI Player of the Year: Recently retired powerhouse batter Heinrich Klaasen was honored for his destructive hitting and consistent run-scoring in the limited number of ODIs played.
- Men’s Players’ Player of the Year: In a vote by his peers, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada received the prestigious award for his consistent impact and professionalism.
- International Newcomer of the Year: Pacer Ottneil Baartman was recognized for his impressive and economical bowling at the T20 World Cup.
- Women’s ODI Player of the Year: All-rounder Annerie Dercksen was awarded for her standout performances, which included a maiden ODI century during the tri-series against India and Sri Lanka.
- International Women’s Newcomer of the Year: Young pacer Ayanda Hlubi received the honor, signaling a bright future for South African women’s cricket.
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