The award
Charlotte Edwards, captain of the England women’s cricket team was awarded the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award at the ICC awards function held in Dubai on 10th September 2008. The top ten teams of the world were asked to nominate two players each who were later voted by a 16 member panel including experts and former players. The experts were asked to analyze the performance of the players between August 2007 and August 2008. 
Edwards received the award at the hands of former Indian cricketer and cricketing legend, Ravi Shastri. She was commended for her performance scoring 492 runs, averaging 54.66 in the 18 One Day Internationals that she played for her country since her nomination. Edwards who is also a useful leg spinner has claimed 15 wickets at 19.03.
Winner’s words
Edwards said, “Winning the Ashes in Australia was the highlight of the year for me. It was a great feeling. The ICC World Twenty20 is the talk of England at the moment and getting the chance to play in that alongside the guys is great for us. Before that, of course, we have the ICC Women’s World Cup in Australia so it’s a big year ahead for us.” She also said, “This is a massive night for women’s cricket. It’s a huge honor for me to be involved with a ceremony like this - I’m so glad that the ICC is recognizing the women’s game. It’s a big moment for the other girls who have been nominated for this and I am honored to be included in that short-list, let alone win it”
Other nominees included Australia’s Lisa Sthalekar, New Zealand’s Nicola Browne and Claire Taylor from the England women’s cricket team. Edwards said, “Women’s cricket has a big year ahead. It’s fantastic for the game and an exciting time to be involved in women’s cricket”