Pakistan’s Noman Ali has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for October 2024, narrowly defeating South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner for the honour. The 37-year-old left-arm orthodox bowler played a key role in Pakistan’s dramatic 2-1 Test series victory over England on home turf.
Noman’s exceptional performances throughout the series saw him take 20 wickets at an impressive average of 13.85, leading Pakistan to their first home Test series win since 2021.
“I am truly honoured to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month,” Noman said in a statement. “I’m incredibly thankful to my teammates who supported me throughout this historic victory against England. Such wins are always memorable for both the team and the country.”
Noman’s standout performances in October included two remarkable Test outings. In the second Test, defending a 297-run target, he achieved his career-best figures of 8/46, dismantling England’s batting order and ensuring Pakistan’s victory.
In the series-deciding third Test in Rawalpindi, Noman contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 45 runs at number nine, giving Pakistan a crucial 77-run lead in the first innings. He followed that with a match-winning six-wicket haul, bowling England out for just 112 to secure a dominant nine-wicket victory and the series win.
Noman becomes the first Pakistani male cricketer to win the ICC Player of the Month award since Babar Azam in August 2023.
