Published: 10:09 AM, 24 June 2026
Mushfiqur Rahim named ICC Player Of The Month for May
Bangladesh veteran Mushfiqur Rahim wins the monthly award for the second time in his career. -ICC
Bangladesh batter Mushfiqur Rahim has beaten off stiff competition from teammate Taijul Islam and Nepal all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee to be crowned the ICC Men's Player of the Month for May 2026.
Mushfiqur played a pivotal role as Bangladesh secured a thumping 2-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 25-27 cycle, with the experienced right-hander scoring 253 runs across the two Tests at an average of 63.25.
The 39-year-old Mushfiqur, who made his Test debut in 2005, displayed his insatiable hunger for runs as he accumulated 235 runs at an average of 63.25 to help win both Tests of the series with crucial knocks of 71 in the first innings of the first Test in Dhaka and 137 in the second innings of the Test in Sylhet. Mushfiqur had earlier won the award in May 2021.
It is the second time Mushfiqur has won the monthly ICC award, with the 39-year-old having also tasted success in May 2021.
"It is a great honour to be named the ICC Player of the Month once again, and I am especially pleased that this recognition has come for my performances in Test cricket," Mushfiqur said.
"My teammate Taijul also played a big part in our memorable series win over Pakistan, one which we will all cherish for long.
"Our victory has also helped us climb the ICC World Test Championship standings, making the achievement even more significant for the team.
"I am grateful to my team-mates and support staff for their support, and I look forward to contributing further to Bangladesh's success in the months ahead."
Mushfiqur set the tone with a crucial 71 in the first innings of the opening Test against Pakistan before delivering his defining performance of the series in Sylhet, where he compiled a magnificent 137 in the second innings of the second Test.
His valuable runs and presence on the field earned him the Player of the Series award as Bangladesh completed a memorable second-straight Test series sweep against Pakistan and moved up the World Test Championship standings.
Meanwhile England seam bowler Lauren Bell's notable run in white-ball series against India and New Zealand helped her clinch the women's award.
Lauren Bell was in the reckoning along with batters Gull Feroza of Pakistan and Maddy Green of New Zealand but her consistent performances in ODIs and T20Is against strong opponents helped her clinch the award.
She grabbed five wickets in three ODIs and eight wickets in four T20Is during this period and was elated at winning the award.
Lauren Bell said: "I'm delighted to win this award. Performing well in front of home crowds is always fun and hugely satisfying. Playing for England is a huge honour and I am just proud to be able to contribute to our team!
"Women's cricket has been growing at an incredible pace, and the fantastic crowds at the Women's T20 World Cup really highlight that progress. The support from fans has been amazing, and I hope to give them more to cheer over the next few weeks"
