Top women's player gets ICC recognition

The ICC's merger with the IWCC continues to pay dividends for the women's game. For the first time female international players will be included in the prestigious ICC awards to be held in Mumbai in late October.

The women's cricketer of the year will be chosen by a 12-strong voting academy of former international captains, journalists and commentators.

The ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed has embraced the move ahead of the third annual awards. "It will serve as a great opportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements of the leading female players who are nominated."

Australia, England, India, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have all submitted players for consideration. South Africa and West Indies have not, as they had no international cricket during the voting period.