The ICC Player Ranking is a points-based system used to rate the performance of international cricketers. It relies on a detailed algorithm that looks at many factors - not just runs or wickets, but also the match situation.

For instance, a player who performs well under tough conditions, like scoring runs on a difficult pitch, earns more points.

Players are rated on a scale from 0 to 1000. A score of 500 is considered decent, while anything above 750 means the player is likely among the world's top 10. Scoring over 900 is rare and considered a major achievement.

The rankings are updated regularly - usually within 12 hours after a Test match, and after the conclusion of ODI or T20I series. Wicketkeepers and fielders are not ranked. That's because their performance depends heavily on other factors, such as the bowler's delivery or fielding opportunities, which makes objective assessment difficult.

The system uses a fixed algorithm with no human input. It doesn't just look at overall performance but also evaluates how and when a player made an impact. For example, taking wickets or scoring crucial runs when the team is under pressure is rated more highly than doing so in an easy win.

The number of points assigned to a player by the ICC in the 'Rating'.

Ranking is the player's position on the list, based on their rating.

For a player to get ranked, he or she must be active in recent matches. For Test cricket, performances from the last 12-15 months are considered. In ODIs and T20Is, only players who have played in the past 9-12 months are included. That way, the rankings stay current and reflect consistent performance over time.