Mushfiqur Rahim wins Player of the Month award, beats Nepal all-rounder

Mushfiqur Rahim has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for May 2026. The Bangladesh wicket-keeper batter has been crowned as the best player for Bangladesh in the last few months. He was especially phenomenal in the Test series against Pakistan. He surpassed Nepal all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee, who gave the former a tough competition.

Mushfiqur Rahim played a crucial role in the Bangla Tigers’ win against Pakistan. They won the Test series 2-0, marking their second victory over the Men in Green in the span of a year. The veteran scored 253 runs across the two Tests at an average of 63.25. This is the second time Mushfiqur has won the monthly ICC award.

Mushfiqur Rahim wins Player of the Month after five years

Mushfiqur scored a crucial 71 in the first innings of the first Test before producing his series-defining effort in Sylhet, when he amassed a stunning 137 in the second innings of the second Test. His performance won him Player of the Series honours, as Bangladesh achieved a historic second-straight Test series whitewash over Pakistan.

The 39-year-old has also won the award back in May 2021 for his stellar performance against Sri Lanka, where he scored 237 runs in three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), including a brilliant top score of 125 runs, to help Bangladesh secure their first-ever bilateral ODI series victory against their opponents. Five years later, he is yet again stepping up for his country.

It is a great honour- Mushfiqur Rahim

“It is a great honour to be named the ICC Player of the Month once again, and I am especially pleased that this recognition has come for my performances in Test cricket,” Mushfiqur said. “My teammate Taijul also played a big part in our memorable series win over Pakistan, one which we will all cherish for long.”

“Our victory has also helped us climb the ICC World Test Championship standings, making the achievement even more significant for the team. “I am grateful to my teammates and support staff for their support, and I look forward to contributing further to Bangladesh’s success in the months ahead.”

Who else was nominated for player of the month?

Apart from Mushfiqur Rahim, another Bangladesh player who was a nominee was left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, who led the bowling attack of the Bangla Tigers in the victorious series against Pakistan. He finished as the leading wicket-taker across the two-Test contest, claiming 13 wickets at an average of 19.61.

Dipendra Singh Airee was also there for his exceptional month in Nepal’s ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 campaign. Airee scored 249 runs in six ODIs at an average of 49.80 and a strike rate of 110.66, highlighted by a century against the United Arab Emirates and two half-centuries.

But these two were surpassed by Mushfiqur Rahim, whose contribution helped Bangladesh to rise in the World Test Championship standings. They are now above India, fifth placed with 58.33 PCT with two wins, one loss, and one draw in four games.