The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr and Pakistan’s Noman Ali as the ICC Players of the Month for October 2024, following stellar performances that helped their respective teams achieve historic victories.
New Zealand all-rounder Kerr played a decisive role in her side’s triumphant campaign at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, while left-arm spinner Noman was pivotal in Pakistan’s comeback series win over England in the ICC World Test Championship on home soil. Kerr emerged victorious in a competitive field, edging out fellow T20 World Cup standouts Deandra Dottin and Laura Wolvaardt for the October honor. Meanwhile, Noman bested standout bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Mitchell Santner to clinch the men’s award.
With 160 runs and 19 wickets in October, including a record-breaking 15 wickets at the T20 World Cup, Kerr left an indelible mark on New Zealand cricket history. Her all-around brilliance earned her the Player of the Tournament title and helped New Zealand claim their maiden T20 World Cup. Notable performances included contributions with bat and ball against top teams, including a semi-final display against the West Indies (two for 14) and an all-important 43 runs and three for 24 in the final against South Africa, sealing the White Ferns’ historic victory. Kerr continued her form into the ODI series against India, adding a four-wicket haul in Ahmedabad to cap a memorable month.
Upon receiving the award, Kerr expressed gratitude for the support of her teammates, coaches, and family: “It’s an honor to receive this award as there are so many world-class cricketers around the world who are also deserving of this. For me, it’s a special month with the World Cup win, something that means so much to myself, the team, NZ, and my family.”
In the men’s game, Noman Ali’s return to the Test arena proved triumphant. His 20 wickets at an average of 13.85 across two Tests against England were instrumental in Pakistan’s comeback from a 1-0 series deficit. The 37-year-old’s standout performance came in Multan, where he took eight for 46 to clinch a 152-run victory. Noman followed that up in Rawalpindi with a match-winning six for 42 in the second innings, sealing the series win and helping him break into the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings’ top ten for the first time.
After accepting the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award, Noman thanked his teammates and fans: “I am delighted to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month and deeply grateful to all my teammates who helped me put my best performances forward to help Pakistan win a historic home Test series against England. It is always exciting to be a part of such memorable wins for your country.”
