ABHISHEK SHARMA AND SMRITI MANDHANA WERE SELECTED AS ICC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR SEPTEMBER

New Delhi, Oct 17, 2025 : The ICC has awarded Indian T20 team opener Abhishek Sharma and Indian women's team opener Smriti Mandhana the Player of the Month award for the month of September. Left-handed explosive opener Abhishek Sharma played a key role in the team's title win with his brilliant batting in the Asia Cup 2025. Abhishek scored 314 runs in seven matches at an average of 44.85 and a strike rate of 200. He was the highest scorer of the tournament. Based on this performance, Abhishek was chosen as the Cricketer of the Month for September.

Abhishek beat his teammate Kuldeep Yadav and Zimbabwe batsman Brian Bennett to the award. "It feels great to win the award and I am glad that it is for some crucial matches in which I was able to help the team win. I am proud to be part of a team that can win even in the most difficult circumstances," Abhishek said in a statement released by the ICC on Thursday.

Abhishek said, "Our recent record in T20 Internationals reflects our excellent team culture and positive mindset. I thank the team management for their guidance and all my teammates for their support. I am also grateful to the panel that selected me for this award."

In the women's category, the Best Cricketer of the Month award for September went to Smriti Mandhana. Smriti scored 58, 117, and 125 in the home ODI series against Australia. Mandhana scored 308 runs in the series at an average of 77 and a strike rate of 135.68. Mandhana beat out South Africa's Tajmin Brits and Pakistan's Sidra Amin in the race for the award.

Mandhana said, "I am truly honored to receive the ICC Women's Player of the Month award for September 2025. Such recognition inspires me to continue to grow and develop as a player. This recognition also reflects the support, belief, and effort we collectively put in as a team. My goal has always been to perform my best and win matches for the team. I look forward to taking full advantage of the opportunities that come my way and leading India to memorable victories in the upcoming matches."