Lauren Bell and Mushfiqur Rahim Earn ICC Monthly Accolades for May 2026

England’s Lauren Bell and Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim have been awarded the ICC Players of the Month for May 2026, recognizing outstanding performances that influenced their teams’ successes.

Bell secured the honor over New Zealand’s Maddy Green and Pakistan’s Gull Feroza, claiming her first ICC monthly award. The right-arm pace bowler delivered England’s most consistent performance, helping the Lionesses claim two T20I series at home against the White Ferns and India. She claimed eight wickets in May at an economy rate of 7.00, with her standout performance coming against India in Chelmsford where she finished with figures of 3 for 34. Bell has since been selected for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.

“I’m delighted to win this award. Performing well in front of home crowds is always fun and hugely satisfying. Playing for England is a huge honour and I am just proud to be able to contribute to our team! Women’s cricket has been growing at an incredible pace, and the fantastic crowds at the Women’s T20 World Cup really highlight that progress. The support from fans has been amazing, and I hope to give them more to cheer over the next few weeks,” Lauren Bell said, via ICC’s website.

Mushfiqur Rahim Claims Men’s Player of the Month for May

Former Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for May following exceptional performances during Bangladesh’s two-match Test series against Pakistan, which the Tigers won 2-0.

At 39 years old, Rahim amassed 253 runs in the series at an average of 63.25, including a masterful 137 in the second innings of the second Test in Sylhet – his 14th century in Test cricket. Rahim previously captured the same award in May 2021 and surpassed Bangladesh teammate Taijul Islam and Nepal all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee to claim this latest honor.

“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. 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 team-mates and support staff for their support, and I look forward to contributing further to Bangladesh’s success in the months ahead,” Rahim said on the ICC website.

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