India’s opening batter Shafali Verma has been named the winner of the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for September 2026. The right-handed batter from Haryana played four matches for India in the Women’s Asia Cup and three in the Asian Games 2026 last month and 360 runs in seven matches.
She scored 28 runs against Hong Kong, China, in India’s second Group A match of the Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai and followed it up with 12 against Pakistan. In India’s semifinal match against Bangladesh, Shafali scored 64 runs, and in the summit clash against Sri Lanka on September 13, she played a knock of 68 runs off 39 balls.
In the Asian Games 2026, during India’s quarterfinal match against Japan in Nisshin, Shafali opened the innings for Harmanpreet Kaur-led
side in the 58-run chase and remained unbeaten on 40 off just 15 balls. In the India vs Bangladesh semifinal, Shafali scored her maiden T20I century (100*), and in the gold medal match against Sri Lanka, she scored 48 runs off 29 balls.
It is the second time Shafali has won the monthly award, with the 22-year-old first tasting success in November last year when she helped India claim the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup on home soil.
“It is an incredible honour to win the ICC Player of the Month award again,” Shafali said.
“It was immensely satisfying to play my part in our victories at the Asia Cup and the Asian Games, and winning this award makes those triumphs even more special.”
India batter’s exploits in the Women’s Asia Cup and the Asian Games reward her with September’s ICC Women’s Player of the Month award 🎖️
Find out the winner ➡️ https://t.co/ldxABLBp0I https://t.co/2bStmpL0Jj
— ICC (@ICC) October 13, 2026
Shafali said she was already looking forward to India’s upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe and had one eye on next year’s ICC Women’s Champions Trophy.
“I am excited about the months ahead and determined to keep performing at my best, with the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in February next year another tournament to look forward to,” she added.
“The memory of winning the World Cup is still so fresh and special, and I can’t wait to be back on the field for an ICC tournament on home soil. It promises to be an unforgettable experience!”
