When Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh all‑rounder and Bangladesh national cricket team was named International Cricket Council's Player of the Month for April 2025, the cricketing world took notice. The announcement came on Wednesday, 14 May 2025 at 02:57 pm IST, confirming Miraz’s dominance in a two‑match home Test series against Zimbabwe.
Background: Bangladesh’s steady climb
Bangladesh has gone from underdogs to a genuine contender over the last decade. The first major breakthrough arrived when Shakib Al Hasan lifted the ICC Player of the Month trophy in March 2023, followed by Mushfiqur Rahim a few months later. Miraz’s win marks the third time a Bangladeshi cricketer has earned the honour, a fact the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) proudly highlighted in a press briefing.
Miraz’s April masterclass
The stats speak for themselves. In the first Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (8‑11 April 2025), Miraz snared 5/52 in the first innings and 5/50 in the second, totaling ten wickets despite Bangladesh losing by 84 runs. Less than a week later, at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram (16‑19 April 2025), he added another five‑wicket haul and smashed a patient 104 runs—his second Test century.
- 15 wickets across two Tests (three five‑wicket hauls)
- 104 runs at a strike rate of 48.2 in the second Test
- Match‑winning performance helped Bangladesh win by an innings and 106 runs, drawing the series 1‑1
- Propelled Miraz to No. 2 in the ICC Test all‑rounder rankings – his highest ever
"It's an incredible honour to win the ICC Men's Player of the Month award," Miraz said in the ICC’s official release. "Moments like these remind me of my journey – being named Player of the Tournament in the 2016 ICC Under‑19 World Cup was a massive encouragement early in my career, and this award feels just as special."
How the ICC award is decided
The selection combines a global fan vote with a specialist panel of Hall of Famers, former internationals and media veterans. Miraz edged out Zimbabwe’s speedster Blessing Muzarabani and New Zealand pacer Ben Sears. While Muzarabani claimed 8 wickets in the same series, and Sears impressed with a 4‑wicket haul in a T20 tie, Miraz’s all‑round contribution tipped the scales.
The fan component recorded over 200,000 registered votes on icc‑cricket.com, reflecting a surge of support from Bangladesh’s cricket‑loving diaspora. The panel, chaired by former Australian great Allan Border, praised Miraz’s consistency and match‑winning impact under pressure.
Reactions from teammates, officials and fans
Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah Riyad lauded Miraz’s effort: "Mehidy has been a pillar for us this year. His ability to turn a game with either bat or ball is priceless." BCB president Nazmul Hassan Papon added, "This award showcases the depth of talent we now possess. It will inspire the next generation of cricketers across the nation."
On social media, hashtags like #MirazMonth and #BangladeshPride trended across Twitter and Facebook, with fans sharing clips of Miraz’s spell‑binding deliveries and his composed hundred.
What this means for Bangladesh’s future
Beyond the personal accolade, the award carries strategic weight. Miraz, appointed ODI captain earlier this year, now carries extra momentum heading into the 2027 Cricket World Cup qualification cycle. Analysts suggest his dual‑skill set gives Bangladesh flexibility in both the longer and limited‑overs formats.
The BCB has hinted at a revamped training programme focused on nurturing all‑rounders, citing Miraz’s success as a template. Meanwhile, the ICC’s decision to recognise a Bangladeshi player underscores the sub‑continent’s growing influence on global cricket governance.
Key Facts
- Date of award announcement: 14 May 2025 (02:57 pm IST)
- Series involved: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe Test series (2 matches)
- Miraz’s match figures: 15 wickets, 1 century (104 runs)
- Other nominees: Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe), Ben Sears (New Zealand)
- Bangladesh’s ICC all‑rounder ranking: No. 2 (first time)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Miraz’s award affect Bangladesh’s chances in the 2027 World Cup?
The recognition boosts team morale and validates the strategy of relying on all‑rounders. With Miraz now ranked No. 2 among Test all‑rounders, his ability to contribute in both innings provides Bangladesh a deeper batting line‑up and a reliable fifth bowling option, a combination that could prove decisive in the World Cup qualifiers.
Who were the other contenders for the ICC Men's Player of the Month?
Zimbabwe’s fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani and New Zealand pacer Ben Sears were the only other nominees. Muzarabani took eight wickets in the series, while Sears impressed with a four‑wicket haul in a T20 match later that month.
When and where was the award officially announced?
The ICC released the decision on 14 May 2025 at 02:57 pm IST via a live press briefing streamed from its headquarters in Dubai. The announcement coincided with the release of the women's award, which went to Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce.
What were Miraz’s exact statistics in the April Test series?
Across the two Tests, Miraz claimed 15 wickets (10 in Sylhet, 5 in Chattogram) and recorded three five‑wicket hauls. He also scored 104 runs in the second Test, his second career Test century, contributing a vital 78‑run partnership for the seventh wicket.
What does the award mean for Miraz’s personal career?
Beyond the prestige, the award cements Miraz’s status as one of the world’s elite all‑rounders. It also strengthens his leadership credentials ahead of his ODI captaincy tenure, signaling to selectors and sponsors that he can thrive under scrutiny and deliver when it counts.