June 7, 2025 – In a proud moment for UAE cricket, national team captain Muhammad Waseem has been awarded the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for May 2025, following his outstanding performances with the bat.
This is the second time Waseem has claimed this prestigious honor, with his previous win coming in April 2024.
The ICC recognized Waseem’s pivotal role in leading the UAE to a historic T20I series win over Bangladesh. His dynamic performances set the tone for the series and showcased the growing strength of associate nations in world cricket. He outperformed Scotland’s Brandon McMullen and USA’s Milind Kumar to secure the award.
Reacting to the accolade, Waseem expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am truly honored to win the ICC Player of the Month award again. I want to thank the ICC, the fans, and most importantly my teammates and support staff. This award reflects our team’s unity and determination.”
Waseem highlighted the significance of the win over Bangladesh, calling it a milestone for UAE cricket. “Our historic series victory in Sharjah proves the depth and promise in our squad. The young players and debutants impressed me the most. Their passion and composure under pressure were inspirational,” he added.
Looking forward, Waseem remains focused on maintaining his form and leading the team to further success. “My goal is to keep evolving as a cricketer and contribute consistently. We aim not just to compete but to defeat established teams and make a name for UAE cricket on the global stage.”
In May, the 29-year-old skipper was in sublime form. He kicked off the T20I series with a brisk 54 off 39 balls, followed by a blistering 82 off 42 deliveries to anchor UAE’s maiden T20I victory over Bangladesh. Waseem’s composed innings helped UAE chase down 205 runs with one ball to spare.
The Emiratis went on to clinch the series 2-1, a landmark achievement for the team. Waseem ended the T20I series with 145 runs at a strike rate of 166.66 and was named Player of the Series. He also contributed 169 runs in five ODIs, capping off a stellar month for the UAE captain and cementing his reputation as a rising star in ICC cricket.