Noman Ali crowned ICC Men’s Player of the Month for October 2024

Pakistan’s Noman Ali has been honored as the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for October 2024, beating South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner to the award.

At 37, Noman proved to be a key player in Pakistan’s exciting 2-1 Test series victory over England, held on Pakistan’s home turf. His remarkable bowling throughout the series earned him 20 wickets at an average of 13.85, which helped Pakistan secure their first home Test series win since 2021.

“It’s a great honor to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month,” Noman said. “I’m incredibly grateful to my teammates for their support in this historic win. Victories like these mean a lot to the team and the country.”

Noman’s efforts were marked by two standout performances. In the second Test, he achieved his career-best bowling figures of 8 for 46, guiding Pakistan to a victory while defending a target of 297 against England.

In the decisive third Test in Rawalpindi, he contributed with both bat and ball. Coming in at No. 9, he scored a crucial 45 runs, giving Pakistan a 77-run lead in the first innings. He then bowled brilliantly in England’s second innings, taking six wickets and bowling them out for just 112, sealing a nine-wicket win for Pakistan and clinching the series.

Noman is the first Pakistani male cricketer to win the ICC Player of the Month award since Babar Azam, who won in August 2023.