Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the nominations for the men’s player of the month award for April 2026, with rising Bangladesh fast bowler Nahit Rana leading the shortlist following his ODI win against New Zealand.
The young pacer took eight wickets in three ODIs at an average of 16.75, maintaining an economy rate of 4.46.
His standout display came during the second ODI at Mirpur, where he thrashed the New Zealand batting line-up with a brilliant five-wicket haul, returning figures of 5-32.
He took one wicket in the first ODI and two wickets in the third. His consistent impact earned him the Man of the Series award as Bangladesh secured a memorable 2-1 ODI series win.
Joining him in the shortlist is Oman captain and reliable top-order batsman Jatinder Singh, who enjoyed a month-long spell in the ICC Men’s World Cup League 2.
Jatinder amassed 266 runs at an average of 53.20 in five ODIs and a strike rate of over 115, combining consistency with attacking intent throughout Oman’s campaign.
His exploits included a half-century against Scotland (51) and a sensational 130 off 96 balls against Nepal at Kirtipur.
The record-breaking innings highlighted his ability to anchor an innings and step up when needed, helping Oman secure crucial League 2 points.
Completing the shortlist is UAE’s rising bowling talent Ajay Kumar, whose rapid rise in international cricket has attracted significant attention.
In two ODIs, Ajay took nine wickets at a remarkable average of 7.66 with an economy rate of 3.66.
He took figures of 3-34 against Nepal and produced a sensational 6-35 against Oman, immediately establishing himself as a key figure in the UAE bowling attack.
Although he also featured in one T20 international, it was his performances in the Cricket World Cup League 2 that played a decisive role in UAE’s points and subsequent nomination.