India batsman Rahul Dravid was named World Player of the Year at the inaugural International Cricket Council (ICC) Awards on Tuesday.

He was chosen by a 50-strong panel of former cricketing greats, national captains, umpires and referees.

"It is quite unbelievable, I am really proud," said Dravid, who was also named Test Player of the Year. "I am so happy to be recognised by some really great people."

The number three batsman, who recently turned his hand to wicketkeeping, received the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for being the best player in both forms of the game in the year to July 31 2004.

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff was chosen as one-day international Cricketer of the Year, capping a memorable week for the 26-year-old after his partner gave birth to a girl.

Ponting was named captain of both World XIs. Asked who would win if there was a game between the one-day side chosen by the panel and his Australia team, he replied: "Probably just the Aussies by a run or two."

The awards, held at London's Alexandra Palace, were organised to coincide with the ICC Champions Trophy which starts in England on Friday.

Indian left arm seamer Irfan Pathan was named Emerging Player and Simon Taufel won the Best Umpire Award.