Rahim and Bell Named ICC Players of the Month for May 2026

These honours reflect players whose May performances materially shifted team momentum in Test and T20 formats ahead of upcoming ICC events.

Overview

The International Cricket Council announced on Monday, June 22, 2026, that Mushfiqur Rahim is the men’s Player of the Month and Lauren Bell is the women’s Player of the Month for May.
Rahim scored 253 runs at an average of 63.25 in Bangladesh’s two-Test series with Pakistan, including a second-innings 137 in Sylhet that helped Bangladesh complete a 2-0 series sweep.
This is Rahim’s second ICC monthly honour after May 2021 and he won the May 2026 award ahead of nominees including Dipendra Singh Airee and teammate Taijul Islam.
Bell took eight wickets in May at an economy around seven, with a best of 3 for 34 at Chelmsford, performances that underpinned England’s two home T20I series wins and reinforced her place in the Women’s T20 World Cup squad.
The ICC Player of the Month award spotlights short-term form and impact, and these recognitions could boost Rahim’s and Bell’s momentum as Bangladesh chases World Test Championship points and England prepares for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.