ICC Men's Player of the Month nominees for June 2025 announced

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday revealed the nominees for the Men’s Player of the Month award for June 2025, highlighting standout performances in Test cricket.

South Africa's Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada, along with Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka, have been shortlisted for their exceptional efforts during the month.

Markram played a crucial role in helping South Africa win the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord’s — their first ICC men’s trophy in 27 years.

In that match, the 30-year-old contributed with both bat and ball. He broke a vital partnership by dismissing Steve Smith with his off-spin and later removed Josh Hazlewood in the second innings. But it was his second-innings batting that stole the spotlight, as Markram scored a match-winning 136 to lead South Africa to a five-wicket victory while chasing 282.

Fellow countryman Rabada also played a major role in that historic win. The fast bowler took five wickets in the first innings and finished the match with a total of nine wickets. His efforts on a challenging pitch moved him to fourth place on South Africa’s all-time Test wicket-takers list, with 336 wickets.

Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka earned his nomination through a brilliant Test series performance against Bangladesh, helping his team start the new World Test Championship cycle on a high note.

In the opening Test in Galle, Nissanka hit a career-best 187, which included 23 fours and a six. His innings helped Sri Lanka recover after Bangladesh posted 495. In the second Test, he followed up with another century — a composed 158 with 19 boundaries — to help seal the series win.

The winner of the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for June 2025 will be announced soon based on votes from fans and an expert panel.