Who are the nominees for ICC Men's Player of June?

Dubai, July 7 (NationPress) Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, and Pathum Nissanka have emerged as standout players as the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the nominees for the Men's and Women's Player of the Month awards for June 2025 on Monday.

Markram was instrumental in South Africa’s historic win over Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. He played a crucial role by taking the significant wicket of Steve Smith and scoring a remarkable 136 runs to anchor the Proteas’ chase of 282. His collaboration with Wiaan Mulder and injured captain Temba Bavuma was pivotal in securing South Africa’s first major ICC men’s trophy in 27 years.

Rabada spearheaded the bowling attack for South Africa in the WTC Final, showcasing his trademark blend of consistency and aggression. He took 5 wickets for 49 runs in the first innings, surpassing Allan Donald on the list of South Africa’s leading Test wicket-takers.

Rabada concluded the match with a total of nine wickets, significantly restricting Australia’s scoring and maintaining South Africa's competitiveness after a low first-innings score.

Nissanka stood out as Sri Lanka’s premier batter in their Test series against Bangladesh. He achieved a career-high 187 runs in the first Test, enabling his team to draw the match, and followed it up with 158 runs in the second Test, leading to a victory by an innings and 78 runs. He finished the series as the top scorer, demonstrating exceptional consistency and composure.

The women's category includes Tazmin Brits from South Africa and two players from the West Indies, Hayley Matthews and Afy Fletcher.

Brits had a stellar month across formats, scoring a total of 184 runs in the ODI series against the West Indies, which included a century (101 off 91 balls) in the final match, leading South Africa to a series win of 2-1.

In the T20I series, Brits started with an impressive unbeaten 98 but had lesser returns in the following two matches. She concluded the series with 132 runs, averaging 66 in T20Is.

Matthews played a crucial role in leading the West Indies to a T20I series victory over South Africa, scoring 147 runs across the three matches at an average of 73.50, including unbeaten scores of 63 not out and 65 in the final two games. Her performance helped the team recover from a 0-1 deficit to clinch a 2-1 series victory. Additionally, Matthews contributed with the ball, taking two wickets, and was awarded Player of the Series in the T20Is.

Fletcher emerged as the standout bowler in both the ODI and T20I series against South Africa, claiming nine wickets in the ODIs at an average of 24 and five wickets in the T20Is, playing a critical role in the West Indies’ comeback in the T20I series. Her tight bowling was instrumental in containing South African batters during key moments.