South African batter Aiden Markram has been named as the ICC Player of the Month for June 2025 after his impressive performance in the WTC finals, helping the Proteas to clinch the maiden WTC title.
Notably, Markram clinched the award ahead of South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka.
“It is a privilege to receive this award. To contribute to an ICC World Test Championship win for our team and South Africa is something that means a lot to me. Winning the final at Lord’s is a historic moment for South African cricket, and it is something we will all remember forever,” Markram said, according to an ICC release.
Markram earned the award on the back of his sensational Player of the Match performance in the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s where he composed 136 runs off 207 deliveries in the fourth innings to script South Africa’s successful chase of 282 against defending champions Australia.
The 30-year old contributed with the ball, picking up a win in each innings, including that of Steve Smith in the first and Beau Webster in the second innings.
The victory marked South Africa’s first ICC title in 27 years, highlight Markram’s heroics. His first outing with the bat, where he was dismissed for a duck by Mitchell Starc, leaving plenty to prove in the second innings.
With South Africa trailing by 74 runs and Australia adding a frustrating 59-run stand for the last wicket, the pressure was mounting.
Markram stepped up claiming the final wicket of Josh Hazlewood, and turned tables with the bat.
Setting a target of 282 runs, Markram anchored the chase with calm approach. Despite the early loss of Ryan Rickelton, he built steady, crucial stand alongside Wiaan Mulder and Temba Bavuma.
Bavuma suffered an injury and considered retiring hurt, it was Markram’s words in the dressing room that inspired him to continue. Aiden Markram’s performance carved his name in the South Africa cricket history, delivering a long awaited ICC title.
Meanwhile, Hayley Matthews has been named as the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for June 2025.
