Muhammad Waseem Crowned ICC Men’s Player of the Month After UAE’s Historic Triumph Over Bangladesh
In a groundbreaking moment for UAE cricket, captain Muhammad Waseem has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for May 2025, a fitting recognition for his pivotal role in guiding his team to a historic 2-1 T20I series victory against Bangladesh. This achievement, announced in New Delhi, marks Waseem’s second such accolade, having previously clinched the award in April 2024.
Waseem stood tall among a talented pool of nominees, outshining Scotland’s Brandon McMullen and USA’s Milind Kumar, to claim the honor. Expressing his joy, the 29-year-old dynamo dedicated the award to his teammates, support staff, and UAE’s passionate cricket fans. ‘I’m thrilled to win the ICC Player of the Month award for the second time. This is a reflection of our collective hard work and determination,’ Waseem stated with pride.
During the T20I series hosted in Sharjah, Waseem led from the front with a staggering 145 runs across three matches at an electrifying strike rate of 166.66. His campaign began with a solid 54 in the opener, but it was his jaw-dropping 82 off 42 balls in the second match that turned the tide, powering UAE to their first-ever win over a Test-playing nation like Bangladesh. This victory not only sealed the series but also etched a new chapter in UAE cricket history.
Beyond the T20Is, Waseem’s consistency shone in the ODI format as well, where he amassed 169 runs in five matches at an average of 33.80. His ability to adapt across formats underscored why he is regarded as one of the most dependable talents in Associate cricket circles. Since his international debut in 2021, Waseem has been a cornerstone of UAE’s batting lineup, with over 1,500 runs in T20Is alone, making him a standout performer on the global stage.
Reflecting on the series win, Waseem called it a testament to UAE cricket’s rapid growth. He lauded the emergence of young talent within the squad and reiterated the team’s ambition to compete with top-tier nations regularly. ‘This victory is just the beginning. Our goal is to sustain this momentum and make a strong impact at major international tournaments like the ICC T20 World Cup,’ he asserted with optimism.
The significance of this feat cannot be overstated. UAE, a rising force among Associate nations, has often been overshadowed by full-member teams. However, this series win—achieved on home soil against a formidable Bangladesh side ranked among the top 10 in T20Is—signals a shift. Under Waseem’s captaincy, UAE has shown resilience, tactical acumen, and a fearless brand of cricket that could soon challenge the status quo in international cricket.
As UAE cricket basks in this milestone, the spotlight remains on Muhammad Waseem, a leader who embodies the aspirations of a nation. His explosive batting, unyielding spirit, and vision for the future have not only earned him personal accolades but have also inspired a new generation of cricketers in the Emirates. With more challenges ahead, the cricketing world will be watching if UAE can build on this historic triumph and if Waseem can continue to lead by example.