ICC Reveals Player of the Tournament Nominees for T20 World Cup 2026, Sanju Samson Among Contenders

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the shortlist of players nominated for the Player of the Tournament award at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the final set to take place on March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Among the eight nominees, Sanju Samson is the only player from India to make the prestigious list after delivering a series of outstanding performances during the tournament.

Interestingly, New Zealand and South Africa have the highest representation on the shortlist, with two players each nominated for the award.

Sanju Samson (India)

Matches: 4
Runs: 232
Average: 77.33
Strike Rate: 201.73

Sanju Samson has been one of India’s standout performers in the tournament. The wicketkeeper-batter delivered match-winning contributions in crucial games and earned back-to-back Player of the Match awards in India’s last two matches.

Samson scored a brilliant unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in the Super 8 stage and followed it up with an 89-run knock against England in the semifinal, helping India post a massive total of 253 at the Wankhede Stadium.

Will Jacks (England)

Matches: 8
Runs: 226
Wickets: 9

England’s all-rounder Will Jacks has been instrumental in his team’s campaign, delivering impactful performances with both bat and ball. Jacks has won four Player of the Match awards during the tournament.

His standout batting effort came against Italy when he smashed 53 not out from just 22 balls to rescue England from a difficult situation. With the ball, he also played a crucial role, including a 3/22 spell against Sri Lanka and key wickets against New Zealand.

Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan)

Matches: 7
Runs: 383
Average: 76.60
Strike Rate: 160.25

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan enjoyed a record-breaking campaign despite Pakistan’s early exit. He scored 383 runs, the highest tally in a single edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup.

Farhan also became the first player in tournament history to score two centuries in one edition, achieving the milestone against Sri Lanka and Namibia.

Lungi Ngidi (South Africa)

Matches: 7
Wickets: 12
Economy: 7.19

South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been a key figure in his team’s bowling attack. Known for his deceptive slower balls, Ngidi consistently delivered breakthroughs throughout the tournament.

He began his campaign with a four-wicket haul against Canada and followed it up with 3/26 against Afghanistan in a thrilling match that required two Super Overs.

Aiden Markram (South Africa)

Matches: 8
Runs: 286

South African captain Aiden Markram has led from the front with several match-winning innings. He scored three half-centuries, including two unbeaten knocks of 86 against New Zealand and the West Indies during successful run chases.

Markram also contributed with the ball, claiming an important wicket against India in a crucial group-stage match.

Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)

Matches: 8
Runs: 128
Wickets: 11

New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has made valuable contributions with both bat and ball. His standout performance came against Sri Lanka when he scored 32 runs and took 4/27, helping his side secure a crucial victory.

He also impressed with figures of 3/19 against England, highlighting his effectiveness as a left-arm spinner.

Shadley van Schalkwyk (USA)

Matches: 4
Wickets: 13
Economy: 6.80

Despite the United States exiting the tournament in the group stage, pacer Shadley van Schalkwyk emerged as one of the most impressive bowlers in the competition.

In just four matches, he claimed 13 wickets, tying for the most wickets in the tournament. His performances included back-to-back four-wicket hauls against India and Pakistan.

Tim Seifert (New Zealand)

Matches: 8
Runs: 274
Average: 45.66
Strike Rate: 161.17

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert has been vital in the team’s journey to the final. He scored 274 runs, including three half-centuries.

His most crucial innings came in the semifinal against South Africa, where he scored 58 runs and shared a 117-run opening partnership with Finn Allen, helping New Zealand comfortably chase down the target.

Final Award to Be Announced After the Final

The winner of the Player of the Tournament award will be announced after the T20 World Cup 2026 final on March 8 in Ahmedabad, where the tournament’s best performer will be officially recognised by the ICC.