ICC Player of the Month Nominees Revealed: Shubman Gill Faces Tough Challenge from Bangladesh and New Zealand Stars

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the nominees for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for June 2026, recognising three cricketers who delivered exceptional performances for their respective national teams across international cricket.

India skipper Shubman Gill joins Mossadek Hossain of Bangladesh and Nathan Smith of New Zealand on the prestigious shortlist after each enjoyed a memorable month with bat or ball.

Shubman Gill Continues His Remarkable Run

India captain Shubman Gill carried his superb form into June with a series of commanding performances.

The stylish right-hander opened the month by scoring 126 runs against Afghanistan in the one-off Test, registering his 11th Test century. His innings featured elegant stroke play, including 15 boundaries and a six, helping India secure an innings victory.

Gill then switched gears in the ODI series, where he amassed 238 runs in just two innings.

He first struck a fluent 84 off 66 deliveries before producing a spectacular 154 from 110 balls in Lucknow. Despite suffering from cramps during the innings, Gill accelerated brilliantly in the final overs to guide India to victory.

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His consistent performances earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series honours.

Mossadek Hossain Marks Dream Return

Bangladesh all-rounder Mossadek Hossain enjoyed one of the finest months of his international career after making a successful return to the national side.

Playing his first international match since November 2022, Mossadek played a decisive role in Bangladesh’s historic 2-1 ODI series victory over Australia.

His standout performance came in the opening match, where he remained unbeaten on 86 runs, claimed two wickets, and completed a brilliant running catch to help Bangladesh secure an impressive victory.

Across the three-match series, Mossadek accumulated 157 runs, including two half-centuries, finishing as Bangladesh’s highest run-scorer.

His all-round contributions earned him the Player of the Series award.

Nathan Smith Leads New Zealand’s Pace Attack

New Zealand fast bowler Nathan Smith also enjoyed a breakthrough month by spearheading his team’s bowling attack in the Test series against England.

Smith finished as the leading wicket-taker of the series with 16 wickets, playing a crucial role in New Zealand’s 2-1 series triumph after the visitors recovered from losing the opening Test.

His defining performance came at Lord’s, where he claimed three wickets in the first innings before producing a superb 6/70 in the second innings.

With several senior New Zealand fast bowlers unavailable due to injuries, Smith stepped up impressively and was deservedly named Player of the Series.

Race for the ICC Honour

All three nominees enjoyed outstanding individual months while helping their teams achieve significant victories.

Shubman Gill impressed with prolific batting across formats, Mossadek Hossain celebrated a dream international comeback with match-winning all-round displays, and Nathan Smith emerged as New Zealand’s bowling spearhead during a memorable Test series win.

The winner of the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award will be announced after the voting process concludes.