Shubman Gill Clinches Third ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award; Alana King Secures Maiden Women’s Title
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced India's dynamic batter Shubman Gill and Australia’s spin sensation Alana King as the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for February 2025, respectively.
Gill, fresh off India's ICC Men's Champions Trophy victory, secured his third ICC Men’s Player of the Month accolade following an exceptional run in India's ODI series sweep over England and a match-winning century in the tournament opener against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, King spun her way to her first ICC Women’s Player of the Month title, delivering a match-winning performance in the standalone Ashes Test against England in Melbourne.
The prestigious monthly awards were determined through a combination of fan voting on icc-cricket.com and an expert panel comprising ICC Hall of Famers, former international players, and media representatives.
Shubman Gill outshone fellow nominees Glenn Phillips of New Zealand and Steve Smith of Australia to clinch the title. The 25-year-old Indian opener showcased remarkable consistency throughout February, amassing 406 runs at an average of over 100, reclaiming his position at the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Batter Rankings.
Gill’s prolific form began with India's commanding ODI series against England, where he scored 87 and 60 in the first two games before sealing the series with a scintillating 112 in Ahmedabad. As the Champions Trophy commenced, Gill continued his dominance with a crucial unbeaten 101 against Bangladesh under the Dubai lights, guiding India to a successful 229-run chase en route to their title triumph.
Expressing his delight, Gill said, “I am elated to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for February. Nothing gives me more motivation than performing with the bat and winning matches for my country. The lead-up to the Champions Trophy was crucial, and I am glad I was able to make the most of it. It has been a phenomenal start to the year for both me and the team, and I look forward to contributing further to India’s success.”
Alana King became the third consecutive Australian to be named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month, overcoming competition from compatriot Annabel Sutherland and Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong.
King played a pivotal role in Australia’s dominant Ashes Test win, producing match-winning bowling spells that dismantled England’s batting lineup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After Australia opted to bowl first, King wreaked havoc on the English middle order, claiming the crucial wickets of Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge to finish with figures of 4/45.
In the second innings, with England needing 270 to avoid an innings defeat, King delivered her career-best Test performance, taking 5/53, including the key wicket of opener Tammy Beaumont. Her outstanding spell not only secured the Test victory for Australia but also earned her a place on the iconic MCG honors board.
Reflecting on her achievement, King said, “It’s been a big summer for the girls, and we’re thrilled to have retained the Ashes the way we did. I am proud to have played a role in that success, and this series, particularly the Test match, will always be special to me. There is no bigger stage than an Ashes Test at the MCG, and I am grateful to have been part of it.”
With both Gill and King in scintillating form, cricket fans worldwide can look forward to more outstanding performances from these two rising stars in the months ahead.
