Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali headlines the shortlist for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for October 2025 after producing another dominant red-ball performance for Pakistan.
This month’s nominees include three spinners who delivered standout performances in Tests and limited-overs cricket.
Noman enjoyed a strong Test series against South Africa and further strengthened his position as one of the top bowlers in world cricket. The ICC ranks him as the No.3 Test bowler, a ranking he lived up to by taking 14 wickets at an average of 23.07 across two matches.
In the first Test in Lahore, Noman delivered one of his best performances. He claimed 6/112 in the first innings and 4/79 in the second, securing his third 10-wicket haul in Test cricket. His efforts played a major role in Pakistan’s 93-run victory.
Noman remained effective in the Rawalpindi Test as well, where he picked up four more wickets and contributed 17 runs with the bat. His consistency made him the highest wicket-taker of the series and the leading Pakistani contender for the ICC award.
South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy is also in contention following an excellent Test series against Pakistan. The 31-year-old played a decisive role with both bat and ball as South Africa drew the series 1-1.
Muthusamy claimed 11 wickets at an average of 18.36, including a career-best 11/174 in the opening Test. Although South Africa lost that match, he remained the standout performer. In the second Test, his batting made the difference. He scored an unbeaten 89, stitched crucial lower-order partnerships and ensured South Africa secured a first-innings lead that eventually carried them to victory. His combined efforts earned him the Player of the Series award.
Afghanistan’s superstar Rashid Khan completes the trio of nominees after a sensational month in both T20Is and ODIs.
Rashid played five T20Is, taking nine wickets at an economy of 4.82, including 4/18 against Bangladesh and 3/9 against Zimbabwe. His impact in ODIs was even stronger. He picked up 11 wickets at an economy of 2.73, guiding Afghanistan to a 3-0 series win over Bangladesh. His best figures came in the second ODI, where he finished with a dominant 5/17. He also added useful runs in both formats.
All three spinners delivered high-quality performances across formats, but Noman Ali’s consistency, match-winning spells and status as the leading wicket-taker of the South Africa series place him firmly at the front of the race for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award.