After Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim Enters Exclusive ICC Club

Mushfiqur Rahim won ICC Player Of The Month award (Source: AFP Photos)Mushfiqur Rahim was named the ICC Player of the Month for May on Monday, winning the prestigious award for the second time in his career. In the process, he became the second player from Bangladesh to win it twice, after Shakib Al Hasan.Rahim got the ICC Player of the Month for May award by defeating his fellow countryman Taijul Islam and Nepal all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee.Last time, Mushfiqur won the ICC Player of the Month award in May 2021. Shakib, on the other hand, won the award in July 2021 and March 2023.Mushfiqur Rahim's Heroics Vs Pakistan Reaps Him RewardsMushfiqur Rahim was clinical for Bangladesh in their historic Test triumph over Pakistan. He tallied 253 runs across four innings, which included a wonderful 137 that included 12 fours and one six. No wonder he was the highest run-scorer in the series from either side.Riding on his heroics, coupled with batting support from Litton Das (239 runs), Najmul Hossain Shanto (232 runs) and Mominul Haque (199 runs), Bangladesh completed a 2-0 whitewash at home against Pakistan.Among the bowlers, Taijul Islam and Nahid Rana were equally influential for Bangladesh, sharing 24 wickets between them.“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," Mushfiqur said in an ICC statement.Also Read: US–Israel Strikes On Iran Leave Mushfiqur Rahim Helpless In Jeddah"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," he added.Mushfiqur Rahim Holds Bangladesh's Record Test CapNow aged 39, Rahim has played the most Test matches for Bangladesh, donning the iconic white jersey for the country 102 times. Mominul Haque is second on the chart, having played Tests 77 times.Shakib Al Hasan (71), Tamim Iqbal (70) and Mohammad Ashraful (61) follow them. Meanwhile, Taijul, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Litton Das are not far behind, playing 59, 58 and 54 Tests respectively.RCB's Lauren Bell Named ICC Player Of The Month For MayFor the women’s category, Lauren Bell, who played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 and helped them win the trophy with consistent bowling performances, won the ICC Player Of The Month for May award.Bell won the ICC award by going above Pakistan’s Gull Feroza and New Zealand’s Maddy Green.Bell was incredibly good against India and New Zealand in May. She took five wickets in three ODIs and eight wickets in four T20Is in the month, helping her win the award.Also Read: Rishabh Pant's Replacement As LSG Captain Locked In By Sanjiv Goenka