Noman Ali becomes 1st Pakistan player since Babar Azam to bag ICC Player of Month award

Noman Ali has been awarded the Player of the Month award for October by the ICC. The left-arm spinner had returned to Pakistan’s Test side after more than a year and bagged 20 wickets in 2 matches while also scoring some crucial runs (88). His returns combined with Sajid Khan’s brilliance helped Pakistan beat England after going 0-1 down. The 38-year-old is also Pakistan’s first player since Babar Azam to win the award, who got the honour in August last year.

Noman pipped Kagiso Rabada and Mitchell Santner, both of whom also enjoyed Test success in Asia. Rabada had taken 14 wickets in 2 Test matches against Bangladesh and became the quickest bowler in red-ball history to take 300 wickets, while Santner had helped New Zealand whitewash India for the first time in their 92-year history. But, counting just personal performance, Noman was a bit too ahead.

“I am delighted to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month and deeply grateful to all my teammates who helped me put my best performances forward to help Pakistan win a historic home Test series against England. It is always exciting to be a part of such memorable wins for your country,” Noman told the ICC.