Bangladesh ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been named ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award for March 2023.
The International Cricket Council on Wednesday revealed the winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for March.
With 12 short format games throughout the month, Bangladesh had plenty of game-time in March and their formidable
short-format maestro Shakib was once again a key contributor to their success against England and Ireland where he managed 353 runs and took 15 wickets.
Opening the month with an ODI series against England, the all-rounder registered two half-centuries and the second of which came in a familiar scintillating all-round display. A consolation win in Chattogram was inspired by Shakib, first thanks to his 75 in 71 balls and then with the ball as he took four for 35 in ten overs to seal a 50-run win.
In the T20I series that followed, Shakib skippered his side to a decisive 3-0 victory, with valuable runs in the first encounter, and key wickets across all three matches, in a string of impressive team displays characterised by excellent fielding and disciplined bowling.
No fewer than four days separated England’s departure and the first ODI against Ireland, and Shakib once more took up the task with aplomb, top scoring with 93 in 89 balls as Bangladesh comfortably won by 183 runs, setting the tone for another series victory.
After winning the award for the second time, Shakib was quick to thank the panel that voted for him ahead of a pair of his contemporaries.
“I am honoured to win the award and would like to thank the expert panellists who have voted for me,” Shakib said.
“This is a recognition I greatly value because there are so many special performances in a month from a number of amazing cricketers.
“If I was to pick my highlight from the past month, it has to be the T20 series sweep against England and, with the team continuing to perform beautifully as a unit in all departments, it is easier for me now to concentrate on my role and contribute.”
Meanwhile, Rwanda’s Henriette Ishimwe scooped the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for March 2023. Ishimwe was the standout player in Rwanda’s opening match against Ghana during the NCF Women’s T20I Tournament in Lagos. She contributed significantly with both bat and ball, showcasing her potential as an eye-catching prospect in the women’s game.
