The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for May 2024 today: Gudakesh Motie from the West Indies and Chamari Athapaththu from Sri Lanka.

Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie was inspirational as the West Indies secured a convincing series win over South Africa, building momentum for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu celebrates her second ICC Women’s Player of the Month award after leading her team to qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh later this year.

Gudakesh Motie has won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for the first time, thanks to his remarkable wicket-taking performances in the West Indies' T20I series victory over South Africa. The 29-year-old is the second West Indies player to receive the men’s prize, following teammate Shamar Joseph, who won in January. In May, Motie took eight wickets at an average of 8.50 across the three-match series in Jamaica, helping the West Indies gain valuable momentum ahead of their T20 World Cup campaign.

Reacting to his award win, the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for May, Gudakesh Motie, said, “It means a lot to me and I am very happy to win this award. It’s very encouraging, I have put in a lot of work during this season and I am happy that I am seeing the rewards now.

“The standout performance for me during the series against South Africa was the first game, where I took three for 25. The third wicket that night was my favourite.

“Playing in a World Cup means a lot to me, and playing at home in front of our fans and knowing the conditions is also special. We have started strongly, playing three games and getting three wins, and I see us going all the way and lifting that cup on 29 June.”

Sri Lanka's captain, Chamari Athapaththu, continues her outstanding form by winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for May. This is her second time receiving this honor, having previously won in September 2023. Athapaththu, who also won the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2023, adds this accolade to her recent string of awards.

ICC Women’s Player of the Month for May, Chamari Athapaththu, said, “I am extremely delighted and honored to once again receive the ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award, and wish to mention that continuous recognition at this level keeps me motivated to further up my game and continue the good performance."