Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews have been named the ICC Players of the Month for July 2025, giving the West Indies a historic double — the first time both awards have gone to players from the same Caribbean nation in the same month, and only the fifth such instance since the awards launched in January 2021.

A Historic First for West Indies Cricket

The simultaneous recognition of a men's and women's player from the same country in a single month is a rare feat in the ICC's awards calendar. Before this, the double had been achieved by India (twice), Sri Lanka, and South Africa — making West Indies the fourth nation to accomplish it. The achievement underlines a resurgent moment for Caribbean cricket on both the men's and women's fronts.

Greaves: Bat and Ball in Home Tests

All-rounder Justin Greaves won the men's award ahead of England captain Harry Brook and Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan, on the back of two commanding home Test performances. Against Sri Lanka in North Sound, Greaves struck a crucial 180 to help save the second Test after the visitors had posted 549 for nine, securing a 1-0 series win in the ICC World Test Championship fixture. He then turned match-winner with the ball in the first Test against Pakistan in Trinidad, claiming five for 27 and two for 12 in a 90-run victory that put West Indies ahead in that series.

'I have had a memorable month playing at home, and to have contributed with both bat and ball against Sri Lanka and Pakistan has been particularly special for me,' Greaves said. 'Having impactful performances in Test cricket is always something I will cherish, especially when they come in front of our home fans. I am pleased to have played my part in some important performances for the team, and I hope I can continue to make meaningful contributions.'

Matthews: A Record Fifth Award After Ireland Demolition

On the women's side, Hayley Matthews claimed her record fifth ICC Player of the Month award, edging out England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sri Lanka batter Harshitha Samarawickrama. Her Player of the Series performance in the ICC Women's Championship away series against Ireland was the decisive factor. Matthews struck centuries in each of the first two matches, finishing the three-match series with 265 runs at an average of 132.50 and a strike rate of 117.25, as West Indies swept the series 3-0. She also took seven wickets at an average of 17.57 and an economy rate of 4.10, picking up at least two wickets in every match.

'I am thrilled to win the ICC Player of the Month award once again. It is just as special as the previous ones, and I hope it inspires me to keep raising my standards, contributing to the West Indies, and winning more such awards in the future,' Matthews said. She added: 'It is an exciting time for women's cricket, with more attention and interest than ever before. I am proud to contribute to its growth through my performances.'

Context: Who Has Done This Before

The men's and women's double from one nation has now occurred five times. Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana did it for India in June 2024; Dunith Wellalage and Harshitha Samarawickrama for Sri Lanka in August 2024; Abhishek Sharma and Mandhana again for India in September 2025; and Senuran Muthusami and Laura Wolvaardt for South Africa in October 2025. West Indies now join that elite list. The double signals that Caribbean cricket's talent pipeline is producing match-winners across formats and genders simultaneously — a trend worth watching as the ICC's next major cycle approaches.