Sobhana Mostary Wins ICC Women’s Player of the Month for January 2026

Bangladesh women’s cricket received a major boost on the global stage after Sobhana Mostary was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for January 2026. The award, announced by the International Cricket Council, recognizes the Bangladesh batter’s outstanding performances during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, where she played a key role in her team’s success and qualification for the upcoming global event.

The recognition marks an important moment not only for Mostary but also for Bangladesh women’s cricket, which has been steadily gaining momentum on the international stage. Her consistent performances with the bat and ability to deliver under pressure were central to Bangladesh finishing the tournament unbeaten and securing a place in the next ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

A Dominant Performance in the Global Qualifier

Sobhana Mostary’s performances in January were instrumental in Bangladesh’s impressive run in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. During the tournament, she amassed 229 runs in the first six matches, maintaining an average of 45.80 and a strike rate of 145.85.

These numbers highlight not just consistency but also attacking intent, which proved crucial in the shorter format of the game. Mostary often anchored the innings while maintaining an aggressive scoring rate, helping Bangladesh build competitive totals and chase targets effectively.

One of her standout performances came against Thailand, where she scored a tournament-high 59 runs and was named Player of the Match. That victory played a key role in confirming Bangladesh’s qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled later in the year.

She followed that with another crucial knock of 47 runs against Scotland, further underlining her reliability as one of Bangladesh’s leading batters. These performances showcased her ability to perform in different match situations, whether stabilizing the innings or accelerating the scoring when needed.

Competition from Top International Performers

The ICC Women’s Player of the Month award is decided after evaluating performances across international cricket during the month. Sobhana Mostary beat strong competition from two other standout performers:

• Gaby Lewis, captain of Ireland
• Tara Norris, left-arm pacer from the United States

Gaby Lewis had an impressive campaign during the same qualifying tournament, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 276 runs, while Tara Norris topped the wicket charts with 15 wickets overall and delivered several impactful bowling performances.

Despite the strong competition, Mostary’s combination of consistent scoring and her role in Bangladesh’s unbeaten run gave her the edge in the voting process, which involves both global fans and a panel of cricket experts.

Key Role in Bangladesh’s World Cup Qualification

Bangladesh’s qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup was one of the most significant outcomes of the Global Qualifier. The team secured their place in the prestigious tournament after defeating Thailand by 39 runs, a match in which Mostary delivered her best performance of the event.

Her contributions throughout the tournament ensured Bangladesh maintained momentum and confidence, finishing the campaign undefeated. This achievement reflects the growing strength of Bangladesh women’s cricket and the emergence of players like Mostary who can influence matches at the international level.

The upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in England later in 2026, will provide another opportunity for Bangladesh to showcase their progress and competitiveness on the world stage.

Rising Star of Bangladesh Women’s Cricket

Sobhana Mostary’s journey to international recognition is a reflection of Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to develop women’s cricket. Over the past few years, the national team has shown noticeable improvement in both performance and consistency, competing strongly against established teams.

Mostary has become a crucial part of this transformation. Known for her aggressive batting style and composure under pressure, she has steadily built a reputation as one of Bangladesh’s key players in the T20 format. Her performances in the Global Qualifier highlighted her ability to lead the batting lineup and inspire teammates.

The award also reinforces the importance of nurturing young talent within the national setup. With players like Mostary stepping up on the global stage, Bangladesh is gradually strengthening its position in international women’s cricket.

Importance of the ICC Player of the Month Award

The ICC Player of the Month award is a relatively recent initiative by the International Cricket Council aimed at recognizing exceptional individual performances in international cricket. Every month, standout male and female cricketers from around the world are shortlisted based on their achievements during that period.

The winner is decided through a combination of votes from fans registered on the ICC’s website and a panel of cricket experts that includes former international players and media representatives.

For players, winning this award is not just about recognition but also about gaining global visibility and acknowledgment for their contributions to the sport.

Boost for Bangladesh Women’s Cricket

Sobhana Mostary’s recognition is expected to inspire the next generation of women cricketers in Bangladesh. The country has already produced several notable talents in recent years, and awards like this highlight the growing impact of Bangladeshi players in international competitions.

The achievement also strengthens Bangladesh’s confidence ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. With strong performances in the qualifiers and individual brilliance from players like Mostary, the team will aim to make a significant impression at the global tournament.

Cricket analysts believe that this award could serve as a turning point in raising the profile of women’s cricket in Bangladesh, encouraging more investment, development programs, and opportunities for young players.

Looking Ahead

As Bangladesh prepares for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup later this year, the spotlight will be firmly on Sobhana Mostary and her teammates. Maintaining form and consistency will be crucial if Bangladesh hopes to compete with the world’s top teams.

For Mostary, winning the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for January 2026 is both a recognition of her recent achievements and a sign of greater expectations ahead. With confidence and momentum on her side, she could play a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s campaign on the global stage.

Her journey from a promising talent to an internationally recognized performer is a testament to dedication, skill, and the rapid growth of women’s cricket worldwide. And if her recent performances are any indication, Sobhana Mostary’s impact on international cricket is only just beginning.