Nahid Rana, Jatinder Singh, Ajay Kumar nominated for ICC Men's Player of Month
Synopsis
Three cricketers from emerging cricket nations have made the ICC Men's Player of the Month shortlist for April: Bangladesh's Nahid Rana dazzled with eight wickets in a home ODI series win, Oman's Jatinder Singh smashed 266 runs including a record 139, and UAE's Ajay Kumar announced himself with nine wickets in his first two ODIs. It is a shortlist that reflects the rising competitive depth of associate nations in international cricket.
Key Takeaways
Nahid Rana (Bangladesh) took 8 wickets at 4.46 economy in a 2-1 ODI series win over New Zealand , earning Player of the Series .
Jatinder Singh (Oman) scored 266 runs in 5 ODIs at 53.20 average and 115+ strike rate in World Cup League 2 .
Ajay Kumar (UAE) claimed 9 wickets at 3.66 economy in his first two career ODIs, including a 6 for 35 haul.
All three were nominated for April based on performances throughout the calendar month.
The winner will be decided by votes from the ICC Voting Academy and global fans.
Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana, Oman captain Jatinder Singh, and United Arab Emirates left-arm seamer Ajay Kumar have been shortlisted for the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for April, the International Cricket Council announced on 8 May. The three cricketers earned nominations based on standout performances across bilateral and World Cup League 2 matches during the calendar month.
Nahid Rana's series dominance
The 23-year-old pace sensation claimed eight wickets at an economy of 4.46 across three ODIs as Bangladesh defeated New Zealand 2-1 in a home series, earning the Player of the Series award. His standout performance came in the second match at Mirpur, where he took five for 32 in Bangladesh's 55-run victory. Rana finished the series with two wickets in the final match at Chattogram.
Jatinder Singh's batting fireworks
Oman skipper Jatinder Singh accumulated 266 runs across five ODIs at an average of 53.20 and a strike rate exceeding 115 during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 in Nepal. He struck 51 against Scotland early in the month before capping the tournament with a commanding 139 off 91 balls against Nepal — the highest ODI score by an Oman batter to date.
Ajay Kumar's breakthrough start
UAE emerging bowling talent Ajay Kumar claimed nine wickets at an economy of 3.66 in his first two career ODIs during the World Cup League 2. The left-arm seamer returned figures of three for 34 against Nepal and a career-best six for 35 against Oman, signalling a sharp entry into international cricket at the senior level.
Selection criteria and voting process
The ICC shortlists nominees based on performances from the first to the last day of each calendar month. The final winner is determined through votes cast by the independent ICC Voting Academy and fans worldwide, ensuring a blend of expert assessment and public opinion.
What's next
The winner of the April Player of the Month award will be announced following the voting window closure. All three nominees represent emerging talent and established performers who are shaping bilateral and tournament cricket in their respective regions.
Point of View
Not just competitive journeymen. This matters because it means the World Cup League 2 is no longer a developmental sideshow but a genuine breeding ground for players who can compete at the highest level.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the nominees for ICC Men's Player of the Month for April?
The three nominees are Nahid Rana (Bangladesh), Jatinder Singh (Oman), and Ajay Kumar (United Arab Emirates). They were selected based on performances throughout April across bilateral ODIs and the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2.
What did Nahid Rana do to earn the nomination?
The 23-year-old fast bowler took 8 wickets at an economy of 4.46 in Bangladesh's 2-1 home ODI series win over New Zealand. His standout performance was a five for 32 haul in the second match at Mirpur, earning him the Player of the Series award.
How many runs did Jatinder Singh score in World Cup League 2?
Jatinder Singh accumulated 266 runs across 5 ODIs at an average of 53.20 and a strike rate above 115 . He scored 51 against Scotland and finished with a career-defining 139 off 91 balls against Nepal, the highest ODI score by an Oman batter.
What made Ajay Kumar's performance notable?
Ajay Kumar claimed 9 wickets in his first two career ODIs at an economy of 3.66 , taking 3 for 34 against Nepal and a career-best 6 for 35 against Oman. His breakthrough performance signals emerging talent from the UAE at the international level.
How are ICC Player of the Month winners decided?
The ICC shortlists nominees based on performances throughout a calendar month. The final winner is determined by votes from the independent ICC Voting Academy and fans worldwide, combining expert assessment with public opinion.
