In a thrilling announcement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the nominees for the ICC Player of the Month award for August. Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Shadab Khan are in the running, along with West Indies wicket-keeper Nicholas Pooran.
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, is no stranger to the limelight. He’s looking to make history by becoming the first men’s cricketer to win three ICC Men’s Player of the Month Awards. His August performances included scores of 53 and 60 in a victorious series against Afghanistan and a spectacular 151 against Nepal in the Asia Cup opener.
Shadab Khan, known for his all-round skills, has earned his first-ever nomination for the Player of the Month awards. His contributions with both bat and ball in August were significant. While he initially took just one wicket in the series against Afghanistan, he turned things around with an impressive 3-42 to secure a whitewash. Additionally, he bowled a fantastic spell of 4-27 in the win against Nepal.
Nicholas Pooran, the explosive West Indies wicket-keeper, is another strong contender for the award. He amassed 176 runs in five T20I matches against India, playing a crucial role in his team’s 3-2 series victory. Pooran was not only named Player of the Series but is also the first West Indian nominated for the Men’s Player of the Month awards since Gudakesh Motie in February 2023.
On the women’s side, the nominees for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award for August include three first-time nominees: Ainna Hamizah Hashim from Malaysia, Arlene Kelly from Ireland, and Iris Zwilling from the Netherlands.
The ICC’s selection process for these awards is meticulous. The shortlist is based on performances from the first to the last day of each calendar month and is determined by the ICC Voting Academy, consisting of prominent cricket figures, including journalists, former players, broadcasters, and ICC Hall of Fame members. These experts hold 90% of the voting share.
Cricket fans worldwide also have a say, as they can cast their votes via the ICC website, accounting for the remaining 10%. The winners will be unveiled every second Monday of the month on ICC’s digital platforms.
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As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the outcome, fans and experts alike are preparing to celebrate the outstanding talents of Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, and Nicholas Pooran, who have left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape with their remarkable performances in August. Stay tuned for the big reveal!
