Pant, Shabnim wins ICC Player of the Month for January 2021

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the winners of the inaugural ICC Player of the Month Awards

Which recognizes and celebrates the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year for January 2021.

India’s wicket-keeper Batsman Rishabh Pant won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for January 2021 for his performances in the two Tests against Australia.

He scored a 97 at Sydney and an unbeaten 89 at Brisbane that led India to a historic series win against arch-rivals Australia.

 I am delighted to be receiving the inaugural ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award. For any sportsperson, contributing to a team win is the ultimate reward but such initiatives help motivate youngsters such as myself to do better each time,” said Pant

South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for her performances across three ODIs and two T20Is.

Ismail took seven wickets in the victorious ODI series against Pakistan, before taking five wickets in the second T20I against the same opposition.

“Winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month in January just shows that all the hard work I put in during the lockdown has paid off for me.

This accolade would not have been possible if it were not for my teammates and I am grateful and thankful for all your support,” said Ismail.

Ismail reached a hundred T20I wickets in their series against Pakistan. She leads the way and is the first South African to reach the milestone.

With her pace and aggression, she continues to lead the South African women’s team’s bowling attack admirably.

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Every month, three nominees for each category would be decided by the ICC Awards Nominations Committee.

These nominations would be based on performances and overall achievements of cricketers during a calendar month.