The latest ICC Player of the Month announcement for April 2024 brought a historic moment as UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem clinched the title, marking the first-ever win for a player from the UAE.
His victory stood out amidst tough competition, surpassing contenders like Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi and Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus in the men's category.
Expressing his gratitude, Waseem stated,"It is a great honour to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award. I am thrilled to join a distinguished list of award winners from around the world."
He emphasized the award's significance as a source of inspiration, particularly for players hailing from emerging cricket nations like the UAE.
“The award is a big motivation for players especially those from emerging cricket teams like the UAE. Last month, our goal in the ACC Premier Cup in Oman was to qualify for next year's Asia Cup and I am proud of my team and their performance in the tournament,” he said.
“At a personal level I am happy that I led the team from the front especially in the final. Scoring a century in a big game is indeed a special moment, especially when it helps the team to victory. I look forward to our preparations for the Asia Cup and my aim is to continue to deliver for the team with the bat and lead by example in these exciting times for UAE cricket,” he added.