Bangladesh Test and Twenty20 International Skipper Shakib Al Hasan was awarded the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for March 2023 following the Tigers' first-ever series win over England.
This is the second time Shakib has won this award, with his first coming in July 2021.
The veteran all-rounder was brilliant throughout the month, starting from the One-Day International series against England. He hit consecutive fifties in that series, with the second coming alongside a four-wicket haul, which handed Bangladesh a win. Then, he led the Tigers to a historic 3-0 series win in the shortest format.
Against Ireland, Shakib scored 93 runs in the first match of the ODI series before picking up a five-wicket haul in the second T20I of the three-match series against the Irish.
“I am honoured to win the award and would like to thank the expert panellists who have voted for me. This is a recognition I greatly value because there are so many special performances in a month from a number of amazing cricketers,” Shakib said upon winning the award.
The Bangladesh Test and T20I skipper added, “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.”
“Shakib gets my vote for his overall contribution to Bangladesh’s success last month, notably beating a top side like England. While all three candidates have enjoyed excellent periods, for me he has been the standout player and a deserving Men’s Player of the Month for March,” Former Sri Lanka international Farveez Maharoof explained the reason behind Shakib winning the award ahead of UAE’s Asif Khan and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson.
Rwanda’s Henriette Ishimwe won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for her 92 runs and nine wickets in three T20Is in March.
