Pakistan right-arm pacer Diana Baig has been nominated for the ICC women’s player of the month award for January.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the nominees for the inaugural ICC Player of the Month Awards which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.

Diana Baig played three ODIs and two T20Is against South Africa, where she led the wicket-takers with nine wickets in the three-match ODI series against South Africa.

South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail also played three ODIs and two T20Is against Pakistan and took seven wickets in the victorious ODI series against Pakistan, before taking five wickets in the second T20I against the same opposition. Her compatriot all-rounder Marizanne Kapp who is the third nominee in the category played two ODIs and two T20Is against Pakistan where she made 115 runs at a strike rate of 110.57 and added three wickets in the ODI series against Pakistan.

Meanwhile, India’s wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was nominated for the men’s award alongside England Test captain Joe Root and Ireland’s Paul Stirling.

ICC Women’s Player of the Month January Nominees:

Diana Baig (PAK), Shabnim Ismail (SA) and Marizanne Kapp (SA)

ICC Men’s Player of the Month January Nominees:

Rishabh Pant (IND), Joe Root (ENG) and Paul Stirling (IRE)

The aforementioned shortlist will now be voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy comprises of prominent members of the cricket family including senior journalists, former players, and broadcasters and some members of the ICC Hall of Fame.

The Voting Academy will submit their votes by email and will retain a 90% share of the vote. Additionally, fans registered with the ICC will be able to vote via the ICC website once the shortlisted players are announced and will have a 10% share of the vote. Winners will be announced every second Monday of the month on the ICC’s digital channels.