Diana Baig Pakistani Fast Pacer Shortlisted for ICC Performance of the Month Award

Diana Baig Pakistani fast pacer has been shortlisted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for January’s Performance of the Month award.

25-year-old Pakistani fast bowler Diana Baig has been nominated alongside South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp, according to the ICC statement.

According to ICC, the Pakistani pacer, among others, has been shortlisted on the basis of “their performance and laurels from Jan 1 to 31”.

Diana Baig played three ODIs and two T20Is against South Africa last month and took nine wickets.

The ICC in a statement on Monday said that the players were shortlisted on the basis of their performances.

“The list is then voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy and fans around the world, the statement said, adding “The ICC Voting Academy comprising prominent members of the cricket family including senior journalists, former players, and broadcasters and some members of the ICC Hall of Fame.”

“Additionally, fans registered with the ICC will be able to vote via the ICC website once the shortlisted players are announced and will have a 10% share of the vote. Winners will be announced every second Monday of the month on the ICC’s digital channels,” ICC stated.

Meanwhile, in the men’s category, the ICC has nominated Rishabh Pant, Joe Root, and Paul Stirling. Pant scored 97 and 89 against Australia in the Test match at Sydney and Brisbane, respectively. 

Furthermore, England captain Joe Root, who scored 228 and 186 to lead his side to a 2-0 sweep against Sri Lanka, is also nominated alongside Ireland’s Paul Stirling who scored three centuries from five international matches.