Australian star Tahlia McGrath named ICC T20 player of the year

Tahlia McGrath could be in for a massive payday next month after being recognised as the best T20 player in the world in 2022.

Tahlia McGrath is the ICC T20 player of the year. Picture: Matt King / Getty Images

Australian star Tahlia McGrath looms as a coveted pick at the inaugural Women’s Premier League draft after her stunning rise was capped by being crowned the ICC Women’s T20 cricketer of the year.

On the same day it was confirmed there would be five new teams in the WPL to be played in March this year, McGrath was recognised for her stunning efforts in 2022.

In only 18 months since making her international T20 debut, the South Australian has climbed to number one in the T20 batter rankings and has now been recognised as the best player, batter or bowler, in the game.

“It’s an absolute honour,” McGrath said.

“I’m pretty fortunate to play in the team that I do, and I’m lucky to play with and against some of the best in the world.

“Thank you to all my friends, family and teammates. This one’s pretty special.”

McGrath would be at the top of the list for the five teams when the Women’s Premier League player auction is held next February, with a salary cap of at least $2 million available for them to spend.

Australia's star all-rounder has been voted the ICC Women's T20I Cricketer of the Year 2022 🏆#ICCAwards

— ICC (@ICC) January 25, 2023

Having only made her debut in October 2021, McGrath recently climbed to the top of the ICC Women’s T20 batting rankings, leapfrogging teammate Beth Mooney.

In a barnstorming 12 months of cricket, McGrath pommeled 435 runs at 62.14 in 16 T20 matches, including a career-best 91 not out against England during Australia’s undefeated Ashes campaign.

The 27-year-old also snared 13 wickets across 2022, including career-best figures of 3-13 against Barbados during Australia’s gold-medal-winning Commonwealth Games campaign.

McGrath also was promoted to captain Australia in India, replacing the injured Alyssa Healy, having already taken the Adelaide Strikers to the WBBL title in a bumper year of success.

Originally published as Australian star Tahlia McGrath named ICC T20 player of the year