2023 ICC player of the month: Babar Azam, Shadab Khan and Nicholas Pooran strong contender for the coveted prize

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently unveiled its nominations for the month of August 2023, acknowledging the remarkable performances of several outstanding cricketers. Among these nominations are Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, vice-captain Shadab Khan, and West Indies wicketkeeper, Nicholas Pooran, all vying for the prestigious award.

BABAR AZAM (PAKISTAN)

Babar Azam, a two-time ICC Men’s Player of the Month, is once again in contention for the coveted prize, this time for his outstanding performances in August 2023. As the top-ranked batter in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings, Babar continued to display his exceptional form, notching up two fifties and a century.

While he faced an unusual setback in the first ODI against Afghanistan, failing to make an impact on the scoreboard, he swiftly rebounded with two consecutive fifties. In the second ODI, Babar played a pivotal role, forming a vital 118-run partnership with Imam-ul-Haq. His contribution of 53 runs in the chase, complemented by Imam’s 91 runs and a solid performance from the lower order, secured a thrilling last-over victory for Pakistan.

Babar didn’t stop there. In the following match, he added another crucial 60 runs to Pakistan’s total of 268/8. Pakistan’s bowlers then took charge, comfortably securing a 59-run victory and completing a clean sweep of the series, with Naseem Shah once again proving his mettle with the bat against Afghanistan.

SHADAB KHAN (PAKISTAN)

Pakistan’s star all-rounder, Shadab Khan, emerged as a key contributor with both bat and ball throughout the month of August, earning himself a well-deserved Player of the Month nomination.

In the opening ODI against Afghanistan, Shadab’s 39 off 50 deliveries played a pivotal role in steering Pakistan to a respectable total of 201. He also showcased his prowess with the ball by dismissing Abdul Rahman, contributing to Afghanistan’s downfall as they were bundled out for just 59.

Shadab’s batting prowess was on full display once more in the second ODI, earning him the Player of the Match accolade for his brilliant 48 off 35 balls. His remarkable performance, especially in partnership with the lower-order batsmen, engineered a thrilling victory for Pakistan.

NICHOLAS POORAN  (WEST INDIES)

Nicholas Pooran, representing West Indies, left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape in August. His remarkable performances played a pivotal role in West Indies breaking a six-year drought against India in the T20I series.

In the first T20I, Pooran’s measured innings of 34-ball 41 propelled West Indies to a competitive total of 149/6. This total proved to be sufficient, as West Indies secured a thrilling four-run victory over India.

In the subsequent match, Pooran dazzled with an explosive 40-ball 67, featuring six fours and four sixes. His aggressive innings tilted the game in favor of West Indies, resulting in a tense win despite a late-game collapse.

Though he faced setbacks in the third and fourth T20Is, scoring 20 and one respectively, Pooran came back strongly in the final match. His crucial 47 off 35 balls guided West Indies to an eight-wicket victory while chasing a target of 166. Pooran concluded the series as the highest run-scorer with 176 runs at a striking rate of 141.93, earning him the Player of the Series accolade.