Babar Azam has been bestowed with the ICC Men’s Player of the Month accolade after an outstanding string of performances in the preceding month, featuring remarkable batting displays against Afghanistan and a splendid century against Nepal. This victory marks Babar’s third time receiving the award, following his previous triumphs in April 2021 and March 2022, as per an official statement.
Meanwhile, the dynamic Irish seamer Arlene Kelly clinched the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award, thanks to her prolific wicket-taking prowess during her team’s 3-0 series triumph over the Netherlands in the T20I format. Kelly’s exceptional bowling included a Player of the Match performance in the series opener, where she delivered her career-best figures.
Both Babar and Kelly earned these prestigious awards through a combination of votes from global cricket fans registered at icc-cricket.com and evaluations from a specialized panel composed of ICC Hall of Famers, former international players, and media representatives.
Babar Azam has been consistently receiving individual accolades in recent times, and his August performances marked a surge in momentum ahead of the eagerly anticipated ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, set to commence next month.
While Babar’s performance in the ODI series against Afghanistan began quietly, he returned to form in the final two matches, contributing scores of 53 and 60, ultimately securing a series sweep for Pakistan.
Babar’s most remarkable performance of the month occurred in the opening Asia Cup fixture against Nepal in Multan. Despite a rocky start with Pakistan at 25 for two, he exhibited control and flair, stabilizing the innings before unleashing a barrage of aggressive strokes that propelled Pakistan to a formidable total of 342. Babar concluded the match with an impressive 151 runs from 131 balls.
In total, Babar accumulated 264 runs during the month, averaging 66 with a strike rate of 92.30.
Expressing his delight upon receiving the award, Babar stated, “I am delighted to be named ICC Player of the Month for August 2023. The past month has been extraordinary for my team and me as we have put in some terrific performances.” He continued, “My team and I are eager to bring joy and happiness to the millions of Pakistan fans.”
Babar secured his third Player of the Month award, edging out compatriot Shadab Khan, who excelled with the ball during the same fixtures, and Nicholas Pooran, the key contributor to the West Indies’ T20I series victory over India.
In the Women’s category, Arlene Kelly secured her inaugural Player of the Month award, courtesy of her outstanding contributions that helped Ireland achieve a 3-0 series triumph over the Netherlands in Amstelveen.
Kelly was a consistent threat to the Dutch lineup, securing ten wickets across three T20I matches at an astonishing average of 4.30. Her standout performance included a spell in the first match where she produced career-best figures of 5-12, leading her team to a ten-wicket victory.
Reflecting on her achievement, Kelly expressed her gratitude and said, “I’m honoured to win the award for the month of August and grateful for the opportunities that cricket has provided.”

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