Mushfiqur Rahim named ICC Player of the Month after stellar Pakistan series

He becomes the first Bangladeshi cricketer after Shakib to win the monthly award twice

Mushfiqur Rahim has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month following his outstanding batting displays during Bangladesh’s historic home series whitewash against Pakistan.

He beat teammate Taijul Islam and Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee to claim the award for May.

With this recognition, Mushfiqur becomes only the second Bangladeshi cricketer after Shakib Al Hasan to win the monthly accolade twice.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the winners for both the men’s and women’s categories on Monday, with England pacer Lauren Bell securing the Women’s Player of the Month award.

Mushfiqur played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s landmark 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan on home soil.

The 39-year-old amassed 253 runs across the two matches at an impressive average of 63.25, scoring a century and a half-century -- a performance that also earned him his maiden Player of the Series award.

He proved crucial in the opening Test in Mirpur, hitting a vital 71 to guide his side to victory.

In the second Test in Sylhet, Mushfiqur notched his 14th Test century with a commanding innings of 137, paving a smooth path to victory for the hosts.

The century saw him surpass Mominul Haque to become Bangladesh’s highest century-maker in Test history.

This marks Mushfiqur’s second ICC monthly award, having previously won it in May 2021.