The International Cricket Council revealed the outstanding performers who have been nominated for the ICC Men's and Women's Player of the Month Awards for March 2023. ICC celebrates that every month on the basis of the international matches played during that month. March includes the intensifying battle to secure a spot at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup later this year, standout players from the ICC World Test Championship, and a host of bilateral showdowns in which Associate Women's teams have taken centre stage following the conclusion of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa.

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ICC Player Of The Month Nominees: March

ICC shortlisted two first-time nominees in UAE's Asif Khan – who is in brilliant form in his country's Cricket World Cup League 2 outings home and away, and New Zealand's Kane Williamson – whose brilliance helped his side secure a thrilling 2-0 series whitewash over Sri Lanka on home soil. A previous winner of the ICC Men's Player of the Month award, Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan joined them. He won the award back in July 2021. His side's recent short-format successes against England and Ireland won him the third spot for March.

The contenders for the ICC Women's Player of the Month for March consist of an all-Associate Member cast. Rwanda's 19-year-old Henriette Ishimwe made her international debut at the age of 15. Since then, she has played the role of one of the team's most reliable all-rounders till now. Her performances in Nigeria Cricket Federation's Women's T20I Tournament in March earned her first nomination for the award. PNG's impressive duo Sibona Jimmy and Ravini Oa will compete with her. Their brilliance inspired their side's unbeaten run to win the Pacific Island Women's Challenge in Fiji.

ICC Men's Player of the Month Nominees for March:

Asif Khan (UAE):

Khan has scored 403 runs at an average of 57.57 for the UAE in nine One Day Internationals. His performances include scores of 72 and 82 against Nepal in Dubai and an unbeaten 101 from just 42 deliveries against the same opposition in Kirtipur with an incredible 11 sixes and four boundaries. He followed this impressive performance with another century at the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-Off tournament in Namibia where he posted 103 in 84 deliveries against the USA. Khan's contributions proved crucial, as UAE secured their qualification through the Play-Off to the final round. ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier will take place in Zimbabwe in June and July this year.

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh):

The Bangladesh veteran enjoyed a prolific March. His all-round performances helping him sit as the number one all-rounder in the MRF Tyres ICC Men's T20I Player Rankings. It has been a busy time for Shakib, with 12 international fixtures played in the period under review. In six ODIs, he hit 251 runs at an average of 50.20 and picked seven wickets at an average of 23.85. Among his six other appearances in the T20I format, he contributed 102 runs to his team's scoresheet at a strike rate of 134.21 and returned with eight wickets. These efforts contributed to famous T20I series wins against England and Ireland.

Kane Williamson (New Zealand):

The Black Caps' prolific batter was in epic form in his side's ICC World Test Championship 2-0 series victory against Sri Lanka last month. The first Test witnessed Williamson inspire his side's dramatic last-ball victory in Christchurch thanks to an unforgettable 121 not out on the final day before his mammoth 215 in Wellington. His nomination means he could be the first New Zealander to win the award since Devon Conway won following similar WTC exploits in June 2021.

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ICC Women's Player of the Month Nominees for March:

Henriette Ishimwe (Rwanda): 

Ishimwe made use of the game time and experience gained during the inaugural ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa earlier this year. She became a core member of the team. She took four wickets for 4 runs against Ghana and five for six against Cameroon to wrap up her nine-wicket tournament haul. Henriette also scored 32 and 43 with the bat against the same teams. 

Sibona Jimmy (PNG):

Jimmy produced an all-round performance in the Pacific Island Women's Cricket Challenge final match against Vanuatu. She featured as both the leading run-scorer with 37 off 38 deliveries, and being the standout threat with the ball. She claimed three wickets for seven runs and helped set up her side's 100-run victory. Across the five matches Jimmy played in the tournament, she contributed a total of 127 runs at a strike rate of 118.69 and returned six wickets to earn herself a position in the Player of the Month shortlist.

Ravini Oa (PNG):

Oa bowled her way into this month's shortlist in the same tournament as Jimmy. She finished as the leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets at an eye-catching economy rate of 3.18. Demonstrated outstanding consistency with the ball throughout her five matches. Oa's bowling feats included three wickets for five runs against Samoa in her opening match, plus impressive hauls of two for 14 against Vanuatu, and two for nine against the same opposition in the final match to seal a convincing victory.

Read Also: ICC Player Of The Month: February Nominees

The ICC Player of the Month Voting Process: 

The three nominees for either category are shortlisted based on performances from the first to the last day of each calendar month. The shortlist is then voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy allows prominent members of the cricket fraternity including well-known journalists, former players, broadcasters, and members of the ICC Hall of Fame to submit their votes. They submit their votes by email and hold a 90 percent share of the vote. Fans registered with the ICC can vote via the ICC website. Winners are announced every second Monday of the month on ICC's digital channels. 

Voting Academy for ICC Player of the Month March 2023: 

Afghanistan: Hameed Qayoomi and Javed Hamim; Australia: Scott Bailey and Lisa Sthalekar; Bangladesh: Mohammad Sekander Ali and Md Ariful Islam Roney; England: Elizabeth Ammon and Lydia Greenway; Ireland: Ger Siggins and Clare Shillington; India: Lavanya Lakshmi Narayanan and Irfan Pathan; New Zealand: Merryn Anderson and Craig Cumming; Pakistan: Sawera Pasha and Sana Mir; South Africa: Zaahier Adams and Ashwell Prince; Sri Lanka: Azzam Ameen and Farveez Maharoof; West Indies: Daren Ganga and Stacy Ann King; Zimbabwe: Daniel Nhakaniso and Mpumelelo Mbangwa; Others: Ajit Vijaykumar and Dirk Nannes.

The ICC cricket World Cup is the second most popular sport event in the world after the FIFA World Cup and Rugby World Cup. The cricket match played in the ICC World Cup between India and Pakistan is always a high voltage match. India always defeated Pakistan in the World Cup match either in the 50 over format or in the T-20 format.

The cricket match between India and Pakistan is the most sought after game in any tournament. Even cricket experts term this game as important as the final of the tournament. Any match between India and Pakistan is a game for the ages, considering the tough lineup of both teams and the relations between the two countries.

Also Read: Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam in ICC tournaments | Details Stats

In this article we will take a look at the head-to-head stats of India vs Pakistan in World Cups history.

India vs Pakistan in World Cups

India vs Pakistan in ODI World Cup

India and Pakistan have the most famous rivalry in cricket and every game is viewed by hundreds of millions of cricket fans across the globe. They have faced each other 8 times in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup and all the games have been won by India. The most vital game was the 2011 World Cup semi-final in which India emerged the winners by 29 runs.

India vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup

India and Pakistan have met each other eight times in the previous eight editions of the T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue continue to hold the upper hand with six wins, while Pakistan have only grabbed a solitary win against India at the 2021 T20 World Cup. The inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 saw a tied match between India and Pakistan with the former winning the bowl out 3-0.

Also Read: ICC Trophy winners list year-wise (2000-2025)

India is a nation where cricket is not just a sport but a religion. The crowd, the stadiums, and most importantly, the passion for cricket that the vibrant atmosphere brings, have made every ICC tournament hosted on Indian soil unforgettable.

Therefore, when it comes to hosting ICC tournaments, India delivers an experience like no other.

This article will take you through the history and highlights of ICC tournaments hosted by India that captivated millions.

ICC Men's Cricket World Cup

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, inaugurated in 1975, has had 13 seasons so far. Out of which, India hosted the tournament 4 times, in the years: 1987, 1996, 2011, 2023. They are also scheduled to host the 2031 season, alongside Bangladesh.

Here's the detailed highlight of each year:

1987: First edition in India, co-hosted with Pakistan

The 1987 Cricket World Cup was the first time the tournament was held outside England. It was known as the "Reliance Cup" due to sponsorship and was also the first 50-over WC, reduced from 60 overs in previous editions.

Co-hosted with Pakistan, India topped the group stage and had a great season. However, they were eliminated in the semi-finals by England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

The Final was played at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, between Australia and England. Australia won their first title and lifted the World Cup with pride on Indian soil.

1996: Second edition with co-hosts Pakistan and Sri Lanka

This edition was hosted by India, along with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. India faced a controversial semi-final defeat against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. It was caused due to crowd disturbance and India's collapsing run chase, which ultimately led to the game being abandoned.

Sri Lanka won their first WC title by defeating Australia and became the first co-host to do so.

2011: India's home triumph

Co-hosted with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, this was India's ultimate dream and crowning moment. Led by MS Dhoni, India had a dominant campaign and went on to win the World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka in a memorable final.

India became the first team to win the World Cup on home soil. The fact that the final match was held at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, makes it even more special. The roar of the crowd, legendary performances, and the winning six will be forever etched in the hearts of millions.

The final was also the first time two Asian teams played against each other in the tournament's history.

Read Also: India's 2011 World Cup winning squad: Where are they now?

2023: India's unfulfilled dream and heartbreak on home soil

As sole host, India delivered a spectacular performance throughout the tournament. They dominated every opponent in the group stage and the semi-final, without losing a single match across all venues.

However, despite their brilliant efforts, they lost to the Australian side in the final, held at the world's largest stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This was a major heartbreak for the team and fans, who dreamed of a home victory after 12 years.

Virat Kohli was named the player of the tournament, setting a new record for most runs in a single WC edition, and Mohammed Shami was the leading wicket-taker.

ICC Men's T20 World Cup

India has formally hosted the ICC Men's T20 World Cup twice. Here's a summary of those tournaments:

2016: A carnival of T20 cricket on Indian soil

India battled through every match brilliantly in the season with a great squad. However, their journey ended in the semi-final with a high-scoring loss against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

This season was a special one and delivered many dramatic, nail-biting encounters. The final match, held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, is also popular for its thrilling finish, where Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes to seal the victory for WI against England.

Read Also: Who scored the fastest century in T20 World Cups?

2021: India's hostship amidst global challenges (Held in UAE & Oman)

Although India was the designated host, the tournament was moved to the UAE and Oman due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in India. They also had a disappointing campaign, failing to qualify for the semi-finals.

ICC Men's Champions Trophy

India officially hosted the ICC Men's Champions Trophy once, in 2006, and is set to host the 2029 edition.

2006: India's first and only edition as hosts

This was the fifth edition of the Champions Trophy and the first time India had the sole hosting rights. They had a disappointing start to the season and failed to progress beyond the group stage, leading to an early exit.

The tournament featured 10 teams, and the Australian side, led by Ricky Ponting, emerged as champions.

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup

India has hosted the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 3 times, in the years 1978, 1997, and 2013. They are also scheduled to co-host the 2025 season.

Read Also: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Full Schedule announced; India to face Pakistan on October 5

1978: The inaugural WC on Indian soil

This was India's debut World Cup appearance as well as the first time hosting the tournament. They lost all three matches against Australia, England, and New Zealand in the round-robin format, and finished fourth (last).

This was the first time the tournament was being hosted outside England. 

1997: A record-breaking season in India

This was the largest Women's World Cup at that time, featuring 11 teams and 32 matches across various venues in India. India put up a strong fight, but was defeated by Australia in the semis.

The final at Eden Gardens attracted a significant crowd, showcasing the growing interest in women's cricket. Australia won their fourth WC title, and their second on Indian soil.

2013: India's early exit in the home tournament

This edition saw several close matches throughout the group stage. India, as hosts, had a disappointing campaign and failed to go beyond the group stage. Yet again, Australia secured their sixth WC title, and the 3rd on Indian soil.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup, organised in 2009, has conducted 9 seasons so far. India has hosted the tournament once, in 2016.

2016: A global showcase of women's T20 cricket in India

This tournament, held alongside the Men's T20 World Cup, served as a significant platform. India had a challenging season, winning only a single match against Bangladesh and losing the remaining ones.

West Indies emerged as champions in an intense final against Australia and lifted their first T20 World Cup title.

Read Also: Top 10 fastest centuries in Women's T20Is

Upcoming ICC tournaments to be hosted by India:

The comparison between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli is one of the most discussed topics in the cricketing world. Although Virat made his debut much earlier in 2008, while Babar played his first international match in 2015, the debate about these two batting superstars across various formats continues to thrive. 

Both Kohli and Babar were U-19 stars. Kohli won the ODI World Cup in 2011, Champions Trophy in 2013 and T20 World Cup in 2024 with India, while Babar’s only international triumph is the Champions Trophy in 2017.

Here we take a look at the Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam stats comparison in ICC tournaments and see who has been a better batter in terms of numbers and stats. 

Also Read: Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar – Test Stats Compared: Can Root break Sachin's record

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: ICC ODI Events

ICC ODI World Cup

Kohli has played 37 ODI World Cup matches across four editions, scoring 1,795 runs at an average of 59.83 and a strike rate of 88.20, with five hundreds and 12 half-centuries. The former India captain has been dismissed without scoring only once in the ICC event. His best of 117 came off 113 balls against New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Looking at Babar's record in the ODI World Cup, he has played 17 matches and has scored 794 runs at an average of 52.93 and a strike rate of 85.74, with one hundred and seven fifties. He is yet to be dismissed for a duck in a World Cup match. Babar's only ton in the ODI World Cup came against New Zealand in Birmingham in 2019, when scored 101* off 127 balls.

ICC Champions Trophy

Looking at his stats in the Champions Trophy, Kohli has played 17 innings and has scored 747 runs at an average of 74.07 and a strike rate of 89.04, with six half-centuries and one century to his name. He has been dismissed without scoring on one occasion.

Babar has featured two Champions Trophies. In seven matches so far, he has scored 220 runs at an average of 44.00 and a strike rate of 74.08, with just one fifty. In the 2017 edition that Pakistan won, Babar contributed 133 runs in five innings (two not outs) at an average of 44.33 and a strike rate of 74.71. Again, Kohli has a better average and strike rate than Babar in the Champions Trophy.

Also Read: Indian Cricketers with Most ICC Titles

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: ICC T20I Events

ICC T20 World Cup

Virat is the all times highest run scorer in the history of the T20 World Cup. In 33 matches, Virat has scored 1292 runs at a strike rate 128.8 of and an average of 58.7. Kohli has also scored 15 half-centuries with a top score of 89 not out to his name.

Babar, on the other hand, has played only 3 editions of the T20 World Cup. In 2021, he was the top run-scorer after he made 303 runs from 6 games at an average of 60.60. In 17 T20 World Cup matches, Babar has scored 549 runs at an average of 36.6.

The T20I circuit in 2025 has already seen an explosion of sixes from both men and women. In a fast-paced format like this, only players with exceptional hitting abilities thrive.

From established names to emerging talents, here comes the list of most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far. See who has consistently cleared the ropes, smashing the ball out of the field of play for a six!

Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (Men's)

It is impressive to see players from nations not widely considered as cricketing powerhouses making their way up in the six-hitting charts. For instance, Karanbir Singh of Austria is leading the list with 40 sixes in 2025 so far.

Other players like Jermaine Baker and Yuvraj Samra are also ahead of the list from the worldwide cricket giants. Then comes the emerging star of India, Abhishek Sharma, who seals the 4th place with 24 sixes in just 5 innings and has the potential to move further on top.

Read Also: Most Sixes in International Cricket History | Top 25 Batters

Here's the complete list:

Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (Women's)

The West Indies power-hitter Deandra Dottin is currently leading the charts with 12 sixes in only 3 innings in WT20Is. This is not a surprise coming from the player with the record of fastest century in T20Is.

Read Also: Top 10 fastest centuries in Women's T20Is

Check out who else is up in the race for most sixes in T20 internationals in 2025.

Cricket is a game of glorious highs, as well as, not-so-glorious lows at times! Besides the massive sixes, aerial catches, and other heroic moments, there's the other side of the game where a player walks back in the pavilion without scoring a single run.

You got it right, we are talking about the infamous "duck." So, get ready to discover the top 10 players with most ducks in ICC events.

Here's the complete list:

10. Mohammed Siraj (11 ducks) | India

Known for his fiery and aggressive bowling for India, Mohammed Siraj holds the 10th place for most ducks in ICC events, which clearly states how batting is not his forte. Siraj has a total of 11 ducks out of 51 innings.

Read Also: ICC Trophy winners list year-wise (2000-2025)

9. Virat Kohli (11 ducks) | India

Virat Kohli being here is perhaps the most astonishing name on the list. Apart from his exceptional batting records across all formats, and having scored 6451 runs in ICC events, he also has 11 ducks in 166 innings.

8. Khaled Ahmed (12 ducks) | Bangladesh

A right-arm medium fast bowler from Bangladesh, Khaled Ahmed, appears in the list for having 12 ducks in ICC events in the span of 2021 to 2024. His focus is primarily on bowling and he serves as a typical lower-order batsman.

7. Mominul Haque (12 ducks) | Bangladesh

Another Bangladeshi player with 12 ducks makes his way on the list. Mominul Haque, a left-handed batter and former captain of Bangladesh, holds the 7th position, despite delivering impressive ICC performances.

6. Keshav Maharaj (12 ducks) | South Africa

South Africa's leading orthodox spinner, Keshav Maharaj, who is known for his ability to surprise with the bat sometimes, also has 12 ducks in 65 innings. He is the only South African player in the list.

Read Also: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history?

5. Jonny Bairstow (12 ducks) | England

Jonny Bairstow found himself walking back to the dugout without scoring a single run 12 times in an ICC event. His explosive strokeplay and skill-set is undeniably good, but it is the count for ducks that places him at no. 5 in here.

4. James Anderson (12 ducks) | England

England's legendary fast bowler, James Anderson, also has 12 ducks in ICC events, spanning from 2003 to 2024. For a player whose career has been defined by his unparalleled legacy, a few early dismissals do not really matter.

Read Also: 6 cricketers who announced their retirements since last month

3. Pat Cummins (13 ducks) | Australia

Australia's captain and one of the world's premier all-rounder, Pat Cummins, has been out for a duck 13 times in ICC events. He has been remarkable with the ball and also backed up the team as a handy lower-order batter.

However, the intense quality of bowling and pressure in ICC tournaments make the best ones falter.

2. Tim Southee (14 ducks) | New Zealand

Next up is New Zealand's swing master, who often showed a knack for hitting some powerful boundaries while batting down the order. That's right! Tim Southee has 14 ducks in ICC events, which is the second-most by any player.

Read Also: Most runs in an over in tests

1. Jasprit Bumrah (21 ducks) | India

As we come down to the final name on the list, we find the world's best bowler Jasprit Bumrah, with 21 ducks, holding the place tight. The one who so frequently dismisses opponents for a duck, and holds spectacular bowling records, tops this chart as well.

Bumrah has stunned fans every time he has come down to play. Be it scoring the most runs in a single over in tests or having the most ducks, this man will get you everything!