ICC announces Men's and Women's Player of the Month for October 2024

Pakistan spinner Noman Ali and New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr were announced as the Men's and Women's Players of the Month for October. While Noman beat stiff competition from New Zealand's Mitchell Santner and South Africa's Kagiso Rabada, Kerr overcame South African captain Laura Wolvaardt and the West Indies’ Deandra Dottin to win the award.

Noman returned to the Pakistan Test side after they suffered a sixth consecutive red-ball defeat in the opening Test of the home series against England. The left-arm spinner then sparked an incredible turnaround for the side with his heroic bowling displays.

The 38-year-old picked up 11 wickets, including eight in the second innings of the second Test at Multan to help Pakistan square the series. In the decider, Noman took nine more wickets, including six in England's second innings, to help the hosts win their first home Test series since early 2021.

Apart from his stunning 20 wickets at an average of 13.85, Noman also scored 32 and 45 in the first and second innings of the final two England Tests.

Meanwhile, Kerr was the star of the 2024 T20 World Cup, helping New Zealand to their first-ever T20 World Cup title. The 24-year-old won the Player of the Match award in the final for scoring 43 and picking up three wickets.

With 135 runs at an average of 27 and 15 wickets at a remarkable average of 7.33, Kerr was the no-brainer choice for the Player of the Tournament and ICC Player of the Month honors.

"Deeply grateful to all my teammates who helped me put my best performances forward" - Noman Ali

Pakistan v England - 3rd Test Match: Day Three - Source: Getty

Noman Ali was delighted to be named the ICC Player of the Month for October and thanked his Pakistan teammates for the England heroics.

Noman last played for Pakistan in the Sri Lanka series last year before making his return for the final two encounters against England.

"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.

Kerr also expressed her joy over being named the Women's Player of the Month by saying:

"It’s an honor to receive this award as there are so many world-class cricketers around the world who are also deserving of this. For me, it’s a special month with the World Cup win and something that means so much to myself, the team, coaches along the way, NZ and my family. Without these people I wouldn’t be able to do what I am doing."

Apart from the T20 World Cup, Kerr also played the opening ODI of the three-match away series against India. She produced outstanding figures of 4/42 in nine overs and scored a 23-ball 25* despite New Zealand's 59-run defeat.