Top News

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the nominees for the Men’s Player of the Month award for April 2026, and leading the pack is Bangladesh’s up-and-coming pace bowler, Nahid Rana. He made headlines with a match-winning performance against New Zealand in the ODI format. This young fast bowler took eight wickets over three ODIs, boasting an impressive average of 16.75 and an economical rate of 4.46. 

His most remarkable performance came in Mirpur during the second ODI, where he tore through the New Zealand batting order, achieving a fantastic five-wicket haul with figures of 5-32. He also contributed with one wicket in the first ODI and two in the third, making a consistent impact that earned him the Player of the Series award as Bangladesh celebrated a memorable 2-1 ODI series victory.

On the shortlist alongside him is Oman’s captain and dependable top-order batsman, Jatinder Singh, who had a standout month in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. Jatinder scored a total of 266 runs in five ODIs, averaging 53.20 with a strike rate over 115, showcasing both consistency and an aggressive approach throughout Oman’s campaign. 

Also Read | When Was Virat Kohli’s Last IPL Duck While Chasing? LSG Match Revives Old Memory

His highlights included a steady half-century against Scotland (51) and a stunning 130 off just 96 balls against Nepal in Kirtipur. This record-breaking innings demonstrated his knack for anchoring an innings while also knowing when to accelerate, which was crucial in helping Oman secure vital League 2 points.

Rounding out the shortlist is Ajay Kumar, an emerging bowling talent from the UAE, whose rapid ascent in international cricket has caught the eye of many. In just two ODIs, Ajay took nine wickets at an astonishing average of 7.66, with an economy rate of 3.66. 

He recorded figures of 3-34 against Nepal and then followed it up with a sensational 6-35 against Oman, quickly establishing himself as a key player in the UAE bowling lineup. While he also played in a T20 International, it was his performances in the Cricket World Cup League 2 that were pivotal in securing points for the UAE and earning him this nomination.