ICC announces 'Player of the Month' awardees in men's and women's category

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the 'Player of the Month' awardees for March 2024 in both the men’s and women’s categories. In women’s cricket, young England batter Maia Bouchier managed to beat Ashleigh Gardner of Australia and Amelia Kerr of New Zealand to win the 'Player of the Month' award for March 2024.

She also expressed her happiness and ‘thrilling feel’ after winning the award and beating the star players like Ash Gardner and Amelia Kerr.

“First of all, thank you to everyone who voted for me! I am so happy and grateful to everyone: my family and partner and the staff and my teammates who have supported me whilst playing at the international level,” Bouchier was quoted as saying in the official press release of ICC.

“I am so honoured to have won this award and I hope there are many more to come. It’s been such an amazing couple of months, from training through the winter with my coaches at home and transferring what I’ve been working on into this series, so I’m really glad I have been able to perform for the team. Thank you again!” she added later.

She recently won the ‘Player of the Series' award in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scoring 223 runs with an amazing average of 55.75 and a strike rate of 129.65.

"A recognition such as this motivates" - Kamindu Mendis after winning 'Player of the Month award

Speaking of men’s cricket, young Sri Lanka batter Kamindu Mendis emerged as the winner after getting nominated, alongside Mark Adair and Matt Henry. Mendis also spoke after winning the ‘Player of the Month award for March 2024.

“I am extremely happy to be named the ICC Men's Player of the Month, which I consider an inspiration for my international career. A recognition such as this motivates and makes us as players work more and more to deliver in the middle for the team, country, and fans,” he said in an ICC statement.

“I also wish the very best for the other two players who were nominated along with me, Mark Adair and Matt Henry, whom I consider excellent players and good competitors,” he added later.