ICC player of the month nominees for November announced

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday revealed the nominees for the Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards for November, featuring standout performers from across formats and competitions.

Interestingly, no Indian player made the men’s shortlist this month, reflecting the dominance of visiting and regional performers in recent Test and Tri-Series action. In the men’s category, South Africa’s Simon Harmer, Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam, and Pakistan’s all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz are in contention.

Harmer was pivotal in South Africa’s historic 2-0 Test series win over India, their first in 25 years. The experienced off-spinner claimed 17 wickets at an exceptional average of 8.94, including eight in the first Test and a match-winning six for 37 in the second, earning both Player of the Match in the opening game and Player of the Series honours.

Bangladesh’s left-arm spinner Taijul Islam also made a mark, leading his side to a 2-0 Test series victory over Ireland. Taijul picked up 13 wickets at 26.30, finishing as the series’ leading wicket-taker and clinching the Player of the Series award for his consistent impact.

Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz impressed with his all-round abilities during the Tri-Series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. In ODIs, he scored 104 runs at an average of 52.00 and a strike rate of 114.28, while also taking four wickets. In T20Is, Nawaz added 52 runs and captured 11 wickets at an outstanding average of 12.72, including a decisive three for 17 in the final against Sri Lanka, earning him the Player of the Series accolade.

The women’s shortlist features India’s Shafali Verma, UAE captain Esha Oza, and Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong. Verma, drafted as an injury replacement, starred in the ICC Women’s World Cup final, top-scoring with 87 runs off 78 balls at a strike rate of 111.53 and taking two crucial wickets, helping India claim their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in Mumbai. Her all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award in the final.

UAE all-rounder Esha Oza continued her fine form in the inaugural ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy in Bangkok. Across seven T20Is, she scored 187 runs at a strike rate of 137.50 and took seven wickets at an average of 18.14, including an unbeaten 68 and two wickets in UAE’s final victory over Namibia. Oza’s consistent excellence earned her the Player of the Tournament award.

Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong was equally impressive, helping her side lift the trophy and finishing as joint leading wicket-taker with 15 scalps, underlining a sensational month for the young spinner.

The ICC is expected to announce the winners of the Player of the Month awards for November later this week, celebrating the standout performances that defined the month.