Cricket (ICC Awards): Who was named the ICC Emerging Player of the Year for the 2004 season?

Introduction / Context:
The ICC Awards recognize outstanding performances in international cricket each year. The “Emerging Player of the Year” category highlights a young cricketer who delivered exceptional impact in the award year. Knowing these winners is a common sports GK test point.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Award: ICC Emerging Player of the Year.
• Year: 2004.
• Options: Four Indian cricketers well known from the 2000s.

Concept / Approach:
Link the award year with each player’s early-career international timeline and breakthrough performances. In 2004, India’s left-arm swing bowler Irfan Pathan made headlines with prodigious late swing and new-ball breakthroughs in both Tests and ODIs.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Contemporary ICC press notes and year-end summaries credited Irfan Pathan with the 2004 Emerging Player award for his immediate impact as a teenager in international cricket.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Piyush Chawla: Highly rated leg-spinner, but not the 2004 recipient.
• Gautam Gambhir: Important Indian opener, recognition peaked later.
• Suresh Raina: Debut and key accolades arrived after 2004.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing debut years with award years, or mixing up ICC awards across seasons. Always map the exact calendar year to the player’s breakout period.

Final Answer:
Irfan Pathan