In a historic moment for cricket in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), batter Muhammad Waseem has been crowned the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April 2024, marking the first time a UAE player has received this prestigious accolade.
Waseem, who also captains the UAE cricket team, secured this esteemed honor for his outstanding performance with the bat throughout the month of April. His exceptional form stood out amidst stiff competition, including Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi and Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus.
Reflecting on his achievement, an elated Waseem expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is a great honor 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.”
The UAE skipper emphasized the significance of the award, especially for players representing emerging cricket nations like the UAE. He highlighted the collective effort of his team in the ACC Premier Cup held in Oman, where their primary objective was to secure qualification for the upcoming Asia Cup.
Waseem’s leadership and batting prowess played a pivotal role in UAE’s success during the tournament, particularly in the final match. His century in the title decider not only showcased his individual brilliance but also contributed significantly to UAE’s victory, securing them the coveted trophy.
Having made his international debut in October 2021, Waseem has rapidly established himself as a key player in the UAE cricket setup. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he ranks third in terms of highest run-scorers for his team, amassing an impressive total of 1289 runs at a striking rate of 91.
However, it is in the shortest format of the game, T20 Internationals (T20Is), where Waseem truly shines. He holds the record for the highest run-getter for UAE, accumulating 1977 runs at an impressive average of nearly 40 and a staggering strike rate of 154.69.
Waseem’s exceptional T20I form was particularly evident during the ACC Men’s Premier Cup in April. Despite a brief setback with a first-ball duck against Kuwait, he quickly regained his composure and delivered consistent performances throughout the tournament.
His standout moment came in the final against Oman, where his explosive century propelled UAE to victory, clinching the title in style. Waseem’s aggressive innings, comprising six fours and an astonishing seven sixes, guided UAE to a formidable total of 204/4, ultimately leading to a resounding 55-run triumph over Oman.
For his exceptional contributions throughout the tournament, Waseem was rightfully awarded the Player of the Series, further cementing his status as one of UAE’s cricketing icons and a deserving recipient of the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award.
