When Shreyas Iyer, a 27‑year‑old Indian all‑format batter, and Amelia Kerr, the 21‑year‑old New Zealand all‑rounder, were announced as the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Player of the Month for February 2022, the cricket world stopped to take notice. The decision came on Monday, 14 March 2022, from the ICC headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and instantly sparked conversation about how the two performances reshaped the narrative around both men’s and women’s international cricket.
Background to the ICC Player of the Month Award
The ICC introduced the monthly accolade in January 2021 to spotlight standout performers across formats. Winners are chosen through a blend of fan votes on the ICC website and scores from the ICC Voting Academy – a panel of former players, commentators and journalists. This month’s panel featured notable figures such as Russell Arnold, the former Sri Lankan left‑hander, and Isobel Joyce, a former Ireland women’s star.
Shreyas Iyer’s February Blaze
Fresh off his appointment as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders, Iyer entered February with a point to prove. In the third ODI against the West Indies at Ahmedabad’s Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, he smashed an 80‑run knock that steered India to a comfortable victory. He followed that with a breezy 25 off just 16 balls in the final T20I of the series, cementing his reputation as a finisher.
The real headline, however, came in the three‑match T20I series versus Sri Lanka. Iyer aggregated an unbeaten 204 runs across three innings – 57* off 28 balls, 74* off 44 balls, and 73* off 45 balls – at a staggering strike‑rate of 174.36. He hit 20 fours and seven sixes, a performance that not only won him the series Player of the Series award but also vaulted him 27 places to 18th in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings.
Speaking to the ICC panel, Arnold praised Iyer’s consistency: “Throughout the month Shreyas showed tremendous control and dominated opposition bowlers. His composure while battling for a regular spot in the line‑up is evident in how he timed his shots.”
Amelia Kerr’s Dual Domination
On the women’s side, Kerr’s February was a masterclass in all‑round brilliance. In the solitary T20I against India, she contributed 17 runs and claimed two wickets, setting the tone for the ensuing ODI series. Across the four ODIs, Kerr amassed 353 runs at an eye‑popping average of 117.67 and picked up seven wickets, earning Player of the Match honors in the second and fourth games.
At the time of the award, Kerr was also featuring in the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup on home soil. She had already logged 111 runs and five wickets from four matches, underscoring her importance to the White Ferns. Joyce, reflecting on Kerr’s progress, noted: “She’s long been a world‑class leg spinner, but her batting surge now makes her one of the best cricketers in the world.”
Reactions from the Voting Academy and Fans
The hybrid voting system meant that both fan sentiment and expert analysis lined up behind Iyer and Kerr. Social media buzz in India highlighted Iyer’s resurgence after a year of intermittent selection, while New Zealand fans coined the hashtag #KerrTheWorld to celebrate her World Cup contributions. The academy members, many of whom have followed the players’ careers for over a decade, cited the combination of consistency, impact, and versatility as decisive factors.
Even the ICC’s own communications team, based at its Dubai hub, emphasized that the award “recognises not just raw numbers but the context in which those runs and wickets were produced – high‑pressure series, hostile conditions, and the ability to change matches at will.”
What This Means for Future Tournaments
For India, Iyer’s triumph injects confidence ahead of the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup later that year. His ability to convert starts into big scores against varied oppositions suggests he could be a linchpin in the middle order. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s selectors will likely lean on Kerr’s dual skill set as they navigate the latter stages of the Women’s World Cup and upcoming series against Australia and England.
Both players now sit on the radar of franchise leagues worldwide. The IPL, Big Bash, and The Hundred have already expressed interest in Iyer’s leadership qualities, while the Women’s Big Bash League sees Kerr as a marquee signing. Their Player of the Month accolades could translate into lucrative contracts and further global exposure.
Key Facts
- Announcement date: 14 March 2022, from ICC headquarters in Dubai.
- Men’s winner: Shreyas Iyer – 204 runs at 174.36 SR in a T20I series vs Sri Lanka.
- Women’s winner: Amelia Kerr – 353 runs at 117.67 avg and 7 wickets in an ODI series vs India.
- Voting panel members included Russell Arnold and Isobel Joyce.
- Both players are poised for major tournaments later in 2022 (ICC T20 World Cup, Women’s World Cup).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this award affect Shreyas Iyer’s place in the Indian team?
The accolade reinforces Iyer’s claim for a permanent middle‑order slot, especially with the T20 World Cup looming. Selectors have hinted they value his ability to score quickly without losing his wicket – a trait highlighted by his unbeaten 204‑run streak.
What impact will Amelia Kerr’s performance have on the White Ferns’ World Cup campaign?
Kerr’s dual contributions give New Zealand a genuine all‑rounder capable of breaking partnerships with both ball and bat. Her form makes her a likely candidate for the tournament’s Player of the Match awards and could be a decisive factor in knockout games.
Who decides the ICC Player of the Month winners?
Winners are selected through a hybrid model: fans vote on the ICC website, and the ICC Voting Academy – composed of former internationals, commentators and journalists – casts its own votes. Both scores are weighted to produce the final result.
What were the criteria for the February 2022 awards?
The panel examined consistency, match impact, strike‑rate or economy, and performance under pressure. Iyer’s unbeaten run in the Sri Lanka T20I series and Kerr’s high‑average ODI haul were deemed exemplary against those benchmarks.
Will the award influence franchise league contracts?
Historically, Player of the Month winners see a spike in market value. Iyer’s leadership of Kolkata Knight Riders and Kerr’s all‑rounder status have already attracted interest from the IPL, BBL and the Women’s Big Bash, potentially leading to higher salary offers.