UAE’s Muhammad Waseem Crowned as ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April 2024
UAE’s cricket captain, Muhammad Waseem, has earned the prestigious title of ICC Men’s Player of the Month for April 2024, thanks to his exceptional performance with the bat.
Waseem has made history by becoming the first player from UAE to clinch the ICC Player of the Month award, outshining Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi and Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus in the men’s category.
“Winning the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award is a great honour. I am thrilled to join a distinguished list of award winners from around the world,” said Waseem. “This award serves as a significant motivation for players, particularly those from emerging cricket teams like the UAE. Last month, our aim in the ACC Premier Cup in Oman was to qualify for next year’s Asia Cup. I am proud of my team and their performance in the tournament.”
“On a personal level, I am delighted 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 contributes to the team’s 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.”
Since his international debut in October 2021, Waseem has been a vital part of the UAE batting order. He’s already the third-highest run-getter for his team in the ODI format with 1289 runs at an impressive strike rate of 91.
His performance in the T20Is is even more remarkable. He’s the highest run-getter for UAE with 1977 runs at an average close to 40 and a strike rate of 154.69.
His exceptional T20I form was on full display in April at the ACC Men’s Premier Cup.
Despite a first-ball duck against Kuwait, the 30-year-old quickly bounced back and found form at the top of the UAE batting order, scoring 65, 45, and 48 in the next three games.
Waseem’s standout performance of the month came in the final of the ACC Premier Cup, where his third T20I century led UAE to the title. After Oman’s Zeeshan Maqsood chose to field first, Waseem took the offensive, smashing six fours and seven sixes during his century, leading UAE to a formidable total of 204/4. Oman could only muster 149/9 in response, handing UAE a 55-run victory.
For his outstanding contribution of 269 runs in the tournament, Waseem was awarded the Player of the Series.