ICC Player of the Month nominees for May revealed

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the nominees for the Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards for May, with Bangladesh stars Mushfiqur Rahim and Taijul Islam, along with Nepal all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee, making the men's shortlist. On the women's side, Pakistan opener Gull Feroza, England pacer Lauren Bell, and New Zealand batter Maddy Green have been nominated following impressive performances.

Mushfiqur Rahim played a key role in Bangladesh’s historic 2-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan. The veteran batter scored 253 runs in two Tests at an average of 63.25. After making a valuable 71 in the first Test, he followed it up with a brilliant 137 in the second Test at Sylhet, helping Bangladesh dominate the series.

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam led Bangladesh’s bowling attack with distinction, finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the series against Pakistan. He claimed 13 wickets at an average of 19.61, including a remarkable spell of 6/120 in Pakistan’s second innings of the second Test. Taijul also contributed 58 runs with the bat.

Nepal’s star all-rounder enjoyed an outstanding ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 campaign. Airee amassed 249 runs in six ODIs at an average of 49.80 and a strike rate of 110.66, including a century against the United Arab Emirates and two half-centuries. He also picked up eight wickets, highlighted by figures of 4/24 against the United States.

Gull Feroza starred in Pakistan’s ODI series sweep over Zimbabwe, scoring 256 runs in three matches at a remarkable average of 128.00. The opener registered scores of 100 and an unbeaten 106 in consecutive games. She also impressed in T20Is, scoring 82 runs at a strike rate of 157.69.

Lauren Bell continued her excellent form across formats for England. She was the leading wicket-taker in the ODI series against New Zealand, claiming five wickets at an average of 13.40. Bell also excelled in T20Is, taking eight wickets in four matches against New Zealand and India.

Maddy Green delivered consistent performances throughout New Zealand’s tour of England. She scored 125 runs in the ODI series at an average of 62.50, including a crucial 88 in the opening match, earning the Player of the Series award. Green also contributed 93 runs in the T20I series, showcasing her reliability across formats.