ICC Women’s Player of the Month for October is South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt who made a remarkable impact at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Delivering the goods, Wolvaardt was instrumental in Africa’s journey to the title clash, ending up as the leading run-getter of the tournament.
In the process, she went on to become the record-holder for the most runs scored by a single player in a Women’s World Cup by racking up 571 runs in nine innings at an average of 71.37 and a strike rate of 98.78. Besides, Wolvaardt matched Alyssa Healy’s feat of being the only player to have scored centuries in both the semi-final and final of a single World Cup edition.
Laura Wolvaardt reflects on “meaningful” recognition after record-breaking World Cup
Reacting to the honour, Wolvaardt expressed pride in her team’s performances and gratitude for the recognition.
“It’s an honour to win this award following the team’s World Cup performances in India, as part of a historic event for women’s cricket,” Wolvaardt said in an ICC release. “While winning the tournament would have been ideal, we take pride in our victories and the unbreakable spirit we showed. I appreciate everyone’s support and will always strive to make you proud on the field.”
Her record-breaking form has also propelled her to the No. 1 position in the latest ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings.
In the men’s category, South Africa spinner Senuran Muthuswamy was named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for October, edging out Pakistan’s Noman Ali and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan.
Muthuswamy earned the award for his exceptional all-round performances in the Test series against Pakistan, which ended 1–1. The 31-year-old left-arm spinner took 11 wickets at 18.36 and scored 106 runs at an average of 53, earning the Player of the Series honour as well.
“It feels great to be named the Player of the Month, especially for Test cricket — a format every player aspires to excel in,” Muthuswamy said. “Playing for a team that won the World Test Championship this year is a matter of pride. I’m happy to have contributed with both bat and ball and look forward to doing more for my team.”
