The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the nominees for its coveted Player of the Month awards for September, highlighting the outstanding performances of cricketers across the globe. India’s Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav, along with Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett, headline the men’s shortlist. Meanwhile, Smriti Mandhana of India, Sidra Ameen of Pakistan, and Tazmin Brits of South Africa lead the nominations in the women’s category.
These awards celebrate exceptional skill, consistency, and impact, offering fans a chance to recognize the stars who have dominated on the field during the month. The ICC Player of the Month awards have become a prestigious benchmark, rewarding players for both individual brilliance and match-winning contributions.
Men’s Shortlist: Abhishek, Yadav, and Bennett
Abhishek Sharma (India)
Abhishek Sharma’s performances during the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates have propelled him into contention for the Men’s Player of the Month award. The left-handed opener accumulated 314 runs in seven matches, boasting an impressive average of 44.85 and an extraordinary strike rate of 200. Abhishek’s aggressive stroke play was instrumental in India’s victories, often setting the tone in crucial matches.
His consistency and explosive batting earned him a career-high rating in the ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings, reaching 931 points after the Super Fours stage—his highest ever. Abhishek’s dynamic approach and match-defining innings make him a standout candidate in this month’s shortlist.
Kuldeep Yadav (India)
Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav led the wickets tally in the Asia Cup, capturing 17 scalps in seven T20I matches at an average of 9.29 and maintaining an economical rate of 6.27. His standout performance came in the final against Pakistan, where he took four wickets for 30 runs, underscoring his ability to perform under pressure.
Yadav also showcased his skill earlier in the tournament, claiming four wickets in a league match against the United Arab Emirates. His consistent wicket-taking ability and knack for breaking partnerships make him a formidable contender for the monthly award.
Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe)
Zimbabwe’s 21-year-old sensation Brian Bennett has been in sensational form, amassing 497 runs across nine T20Is at an average of 55.22 and an impressive strike rate of 165.66. Bennett was the leading scorer in T20I series against Sri Lanka and Namibia and carried that momentum into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Africa Qualifier with scores of 72, 65, and a commanding 111 in his first three innings.
Bennett’s ability to consistently dominate top-order bowling attacks, combined with his fearless stroke play, has earned him a deserved spot among this month’s nominees. His performances exemplify the emerging talent shaping the future of international cricket.
Women’s Shortlist: Mandhana, Sidra, and Brits
Smriti Mandhana (India)
India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has been nothing short of spectacular in the home ODI series against Australia. In four ODIs during the period, she scored 308 runs at an exceptional average of 77 and a strike rate of 135.68. Mandhana’s notable innings included scores of 58, 117, and an electrifying 125, where she reached a century off just 50 deliveries—the fastest by an Indian batter in ODI cricket.
Her dominance at the top of the order and ability to score quickly under pressure have made Mandhana a strong contender for the Player of the Month award. Her performances not only guided India to crucial victories but also showcased her leadership on the field.
Sidra Ameen (Pakistan)
Sidra Ameen has been in prolific form during Pakistan’s ODI series against South Africa, emerging as the top run-scorer with 293 runs in three matches. Her incredible average of 293 was bolstered by a series of unbeaten innings, including scores of 121, 122, and 50. Sidra’s consistency and ability to anchor innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate of 82.76 have made her a key player for Pakistan.
Sidra’s performances highlight her skill in building partnerships and converting starts into match-defining contributions, reflecting the impact she brings to the team’s success.
Tazmin Brits (South Africa)
South Africa’s Tazmin Brits made an immediate impression in the home ODI series against Pakistan, earning the Player of the Series award despite featuring in only two matches. Brits registered scores of 101 and 171 in consecutive matches, leading South Africa to victories that ultimately secured a 2-1 series win.
Her remarkable consistency and commanding performances underscore her ability to dominate bowling attacks and deliver under pressure, making her a deserving nominee in the women’s category.
Voting Process for ICC Player of the Month Awards
The ICC Player of the Month winners are decided through a combination of votes from an independent ICC Voting Academy and cricket fans worldwide. The process begins by selecting three standout performers from each category based on their performances from the first to the last day of the month.
The ICC Voting Academy, comprising respected journalists, former players, broadcasters, and ICC Hall of Fame members, holds 90% of the vote share. Fans registered with the ICC account for the remaining 10%, allowing the global audience to engage in the selection process. Voting is conducted via email for Academy members and online for fans at icc-cricket.com/awards
. Winners are announced every second week of the month on ICC’s official digital platforms.
ICC Voting Academy Members
- The Voting Academy includes leading figures from cricketing nations worldwide, ensuring a fair and informed decision-making process. Members include:
- Afghanistan: Javed Hamim
- Australia: Daniel Cherny, Lisa Sthalekar
- Bangladesh: Mazhar Uddin, Md Ariful Islam Roney
- England: Chris Stocks, Lydia Greenway
- Ireland: Ger Siggins, Clare Shillington
- India: S Gomesh, Shivani Gupta
- New Zealand: Craig Cumming
- Pakistan: Saleem Khaliq, Sana Mir
- South Africa: Zaahier Adams, Ashwell Prince
- Sri Lanka: Danushka Aravinda, Farveez Maharoof
- West Indies: Daren Ganga, Stacy Ann King
- Zimbabwe: Lawrence Trusida
- Others: Darren Allan Kyeyune, Kyle Coetzer
This diverse panel ensures representation from all major cricketing regions, combining expertise and experience to recognize the finest performances in men’s and women’s cricket.
Significance of the ICC Player of the Month Awards
The ICC Player of the Month awards not only celebrate individual brilliance but also highlight players who significantly impact their team’s success. Monthly recognition helps maintain player motivation, showcases emerging talents, and engages fans by allowing them to participate in the voting process.
For cricketers like Abhishek Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Brian Bennett, Smriti Mandhana, Sidra Ameen, and Tazmin Brits, being shortlisted is a testament to their skill, hard work, and consistency. These nominations also provide an early indicator of the players to watch in upcoming international tournaments and series.
The awards have become an essential feature of ICC’s digital engagement, allowing cricket enthusiasts worldwide to follow and celebrate the game’s top performers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who are the ICC Women’s Player of the Month nominees for September?
The nominees are Smriti Mandhana (India), Sidra Ameen (Pakistan), and Tazmin Brits (South Africa), recognized for their outstanding performances in recent ODIs.
Why was Smriti Mandhana nominated?
Mandhana scored 308 runs in four ODIs against Australia, including a rapid 125-run century off just 50 balls—the fastest by an Indian batter. Her consistency and match-winning performances made her a top contender.
What achievements earned Sidra Ameen a nomination?
Sidra was the leading scorer in Pakistan’s home ODI series against South Africa, with scores of 121, 122, and 50**. Her stellar average of 293 and ability to anchor innings highlighted her nomination.
How did Tazmin Brits secure her nomination?
Brits excelled in the ODI series against Pakistan, scoring 101 and 171 in the first two matches and earning the Player of the Series award. Her dominant performances helped South Africa take a 2-1 series win.
How are ICC Player of the Month winners decided?
Nominees are voted on by an independent ICC Voting Academy (90% weight) and fans worldwide (10% weight). Votes are tallied, and winners are announced on ICC’s digital channels.
Can fans participate in the voting?
Yes, fans can vote at icc-cricket.com/awards
. Registered ICC members contribute 10% of the total vote.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners are revealed every second week of the month on ICC’s official digital platforms.
Conclusion
The ICC Women’s Player of the Month nominations for September celebrate the extraordinary talent and impact of Smriti Mandhana, Sidra Ameen, and Tazmin Brits. Each player has showcased exceptional skill, consistency, and match-winning performances that have not only inspired their teams but also captivated cricket fans worldwide. As the voting process unfolds, the awards highlight the growing prominence of women’s cricket and honor the players who are pushing the boundaries of excellence. Recognizing these trailblazers underscores the global depth of talent in the women’s game and the exciting future that lies ahead.
