Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman was named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month on Tuesday.
The left-hander is the first Pakistan player to win the award since Sidra Ameen in November 2022 after two crucial match-winning centuries in Pakistan’s ODI series success against touring New Zealand.
“It is truly an honour for me to be named ICC Player of the Month for April. This month has been one of the highlights of my career and it was an amazing feeling to play in front of my own people in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi,” said Zaman.
“I really enjoyed scoring back-to-back centuries in Rawalpindi, but my favourite was the 180 not out in the second match.
“I hope to continue the momentum leading into the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, and make Pakistan cricket fans happy and proud with my performances.”
Zaman also became only the 12th batter ever and the fourth Pakistani, after Saeed Anwar, Zaheer Abbas and Babar Azam (twice), to hit three consecutive ODI tons.
Zaman also became the fastest Asian batter to 3,000 runs in ODI history after achieving the feat in 67 innings. The record was previously held by Babar Azam, who took 68 innings.
Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya and New Zealand’s Mark Chapman were the other nominees in the men’s category.
Meanwhile, Thailand skipper Naruemol Chaiwai won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month.
The Thai captain bagged the award for Player of the Series after two unbeaten half-centuries during a historic 3-0 series win against Zimbabwe.
“I am deeply humbled and proud of myself to display performances worthy of the accolade. The recent series was an important series for the team and myself to cement our progression in the ODI arena. Most of all I am deeply heartened by the voices that have identified with my success,” Chaiwai said.
“I would like to thank my family, friends and followers, near and far, across the globe for this recognition. Once again I am deeply humbled for this recognition and it gives me and Thailand the motivation to progress in the world of cricket."
- Fakhar Zaman