Dubai: Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana has been named the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Player of the Month for April 2026 following his brilliant ODI series against New Zealand.
Rana continued his momentum from March when he took eight wickets in three ODIs against the Black Caps and took eight wickets in the three-match series against Pakistan.
It is the first time he has received the monthly ICC honour, and he became the first Bangladeshi man to win the award since all-rounder Mehdi Hasan Miraz achieved the feat in April last year.
“It’s a great feeling to be named the ICC Player of the Year after performing well against a world-class team like New Zealand,” said Rana.
“Delivering on home soil made the series even better and I will always cherish it. I am grateful to my teammates for their continued support and faith in me.”
“I hope to continue contributing to more wins and memorable moments for my team,” he added.
The 23-year-old had a quiet start to the series, taking just one wicket for 65 runs in the first ODI.
However, he responded strongly in the second match, taking the second five-wicket haul of his career – his first came against Pakistan in March earlier this year.
He returned to the middle order with two early powerplay wickets, taking 5 for 32 as Bangladesh bowled out New Zealand for 198.
In the third and final ODI in Chattogram, the right-arm pacer again made major strides, picking up two wickets to help Bangladesh win the series 2-1. His performance also earned him the serial hero award.
Overall, Rana finished the series with eight wickets at an average of 16.75 and an economy rate of 4.46, earning him ICC Men’s Player of the Year recognition for April 2026.