ICC Player of the Month nominees announced: Samson, Bumrah lead Men’s list, Kerr headlines Women’s

The International Cricket Council has announced the nominees for the Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards for March 2026, with standout performers from India, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia making the shortlist.

In the men’s category, Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah and Connor Esterhuizen have been nominated following impressive performances during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and subsequent bilateral series.

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Samson’s campaign was marked by a remarkable turnaround, having started the tournament on the sidelines before playing a decisive role from the Super Eights onwards. He scored an unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in a must-win clash, followed by back-to-back scores of 89 in the semifinal against England and the final against New Zealand. His consistent performances powered India to a successful title defence, earning him the Player of the Tournament award.

Bumrah, meanwhile, was instrumental in India’s title run, delivering crucial spells in the knockout stages. He returned figures of 1/31 in the semifinal against England, bowling key overs under pressure, before producing a match-winning 4/15 in the final against New Zealand. Across India’s last three games, he picked up seven wickets at an average of 12 and an economy rate of 7.

Esterhuizen impressed in the post-World Cup T20I series against New Zealand, scoring 200 runs in five matches. He registered his maiden T20I fifty before smashing an unbeaten 75 off 33 balls in the decider, helping South Africa clinch a 3-2 series win. His performances also earned him two Player of the Match awards.

In the women’s category, Amelia Kerr, Beth Mooney and Ayabonga Khaka have been shortlisted after a series of impactful performances across formats.

Kerr delivered exceptional all-round performances, scoring runs consistently while also leading the wicket charts. She amassed 176 runs and claimed 18 wickets in ODIs, alongside 276 runs and six wickets in T20Is, earning Player of the Series honours in both formats during New Zealand’s dominant runs.

Mooney showcased her consistency with the bat, scoring 171 runs in two ODIs, including an unbeaten century against India, while also contributing in T20Is with crucial match-winning knocks.

Khaka, on the other hand, led South Africa’s bowling attack impressively, finishing as the top wicket-taker in the T20I series in New Zealand and delivering a standout 6/56 in the opening ODI.

The winners will be decided through a combination of fan votes and expert panel selections.