Noman Ali Shortlisted for ICC Player of the Month Glory

Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali has been nominated for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for October 2025. 

At 38, Noman bowled with the control and fire of a man half his age. His looping deliveries and sharp turns troubled the Proteas throughout. 

In the first Test, Noman’s 10-wicket haul ripped through South Africa’s middle order and secured a thrilling 93-run win for Pakistan. 

He wasn’t done there. In Rawalpindi, he added four more wickets and chipped in with a handy 17 runs. The crowd rose again. You could feel the energy ripple across the stands. Pakistan didn’t just win that series; they found a star in their spin attack.

Joining Noman in the shortlist are Senuran Muthusamy of South Africa and Rashid Khan from Afghanistan. Both had their moments, but Muthusamy, in particular, made it tough for Pakistan’s selectors to relax.

The South African all-rounder was named Player of the Series, scoring 106 runs at an average of 53 and picking up 11 wickets. His career-best 11 for 174 in Lahore kept the hosts on edge. At one point, Pakistan fans went quiet. Then Noman struck again, breaking the stand that threatened to turn the match around.

Rashid Khan also dominated in white-ball cricket. His 11 wickets in Afghanistan’s 3-0 ODI sweep over Bangladesh once again highlighted his unmatched versatility. He also starred in T20Is, returning spells like 3 for 9 and 4 for 18. 

But for Noman, this nomination is a well-earned reward for his hard work and patience. About a bowler who kept grinding in domestic cricket and now stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best. “He’s always been our silent fighter,” said a teammate after the announcement.

In a season full of surprises, Noman’s story has reminded fans that age, sometimes, really is just a number.

The ICC will announce the Men’s Player of the Month winner next week, and no matter how the votes fall, Noman Ali’s October will be remembered as one of grit, guile, and genuine passion for the game.