Dubai, June 7 (UNI) The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday revealed the shortlists of nominees for the ICC Player of the Month awards in celebration of the outstanding performers from international competition in May.
The ICC Men’s Player of the Month contenders feature three familiar faces competing at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.
Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi enjoyed a prolific wicket-taking month in his side’s T20I tours of Ireland and England last month. Similarly, Gudakesh Motie of the West Indies earns a nomination after his Player of the Series exploits in their whitewash series triumph over South Africa.
Completing the lineup is Ireland’s Lorcan Tucker – the wicketkeeper batter recording consistent scores against Pakistan, Netherlands and Scotland in his side’s preparations for the T20 World Cup, according to ICC media release.
Two stars from the recently concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in the UAE are nominated in the Women’s Player of the Month category, alongside an England spin sensation.
Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu is nominated for the second month in a row after topping the run-scoring charts in Abu Dhabi and hitting a sparkling century in the final match. She is joined by Scotland skipper Kathryn Bryce, who led her side to an historic first qualification for a women’s World Cup event thanks to memorable individual contributions.
England’s Sophie Ecclestone is the third name in contention, nominated for more wicket-taking feats as her side overcame Pakistan in both shorter formats last month.
An independent ICC Voting Academy and fans around the world will now be invited to cast their votes to decide the winners, which will be announced next week.
