DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled its latest player rankings on Wednesday, with Pakistan’s dynamic Saim Ayub holding firm as the world’s number one T20 all-rounder, while significant shifts were noted among several high-profile players across both the Test and T20 formats.
Australia's premier pacer has the No.1 spot in the ICC Men's Test Bowling Rankings within sight 👊
More 👉 https://t.co/M4WjtlgBBr pic.twitter.com/NgHQpQDGny
— ICC (@ICC) December 17, 2025
Test Rankings: Root, Bumrah Keep Top Spots; Starc Advances
In the Test arena, England’s Joe Root continues to reign supreme as the leading batsman. Pakistan’s reliable middle-order anchor, Saud Shakeel, edged up one place to break into the top ten, securing the ninth position.
Among bowlers, India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah remains the top-ranked Test bowler. However, Australia’s Mitchell Starc made a significant move, climbing from third to second after his impactful performances. New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy made the biggest leap in this category, jumping 15 places to 48th. In the Test all-rounders’ list, India’s Ravindra Jadeja continues to lead unchallenged.
T20I Batting: Sharma Stays on Top, Babar Slips
India’s explosive opener Abhishek Sharma maintained his grip on the number one position in the T20I batting rankings. His teammate, Tilak Varma, rose two spots to fourth. Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan dropped one place to sixth, while former Pakistan captain and batting mainstay Babar Azam also slipped a spot to 31st. South Africa’s Aiden Markram enjoyed a notable rise, advancing eight places to 29th.
Bowling & All-Round Prowess: Chakravarthy Dominates, Ayub Leads
India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has tightened his hold on the top of the T20I bowling rankings. Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed holds steady at fourth, but the major gainer was South Africa’s Marco Jansen, who surged 14 places to 25th.
In the all-rounders’ category, Saim Ayub’s consistent contributions with bat and ball see him retain the pinnacle position for Pakistan, with teammate Mohammad Nawaz unmoved at fifth. India’s powerful finisher Shivam Dube made a strong move, ascending four places to 16th.
