Shafali Verma: ICC Women's Player of the Month (November 2025)
What's the story
Indian batter Shafali Verma has been awarded the ICC Women's Player of the Month for November 2025. The recognition comes after her stellar performance in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup final against South Africa. Verma scored a fine 87 and took two wickets in Navi Mumbai, helping India clinch their maiden Women's World Cup title. She was a late inclusion in the squad after Pratika Rawal was ruled out due to injury.
Match impact
Verma's stellar performance in World Cup final
Verma, who replaced the injured Rawal in India's World Cup squad, formed a solid 100-run opening stand with Smriti Mandhana. This helped India post a challenging total of 298/7. She also took two wickets as the visitors perished for 246. As per Cricbuzz, Verma (21 years and 279 days) became the youngest player to win the Player of the Match award in the semi-final or final of an ODI World Cup - men's or women's.
Humble acceptance
Verma dedicates award to teammates and supporters
Upon winning the ICC Women's Player of the Month award, Verma said, "My first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup experience didn't go as I expected, but it ended far better than I could have ever wished or imagined." She dedicated the award to her teammates, coaches, family, and everyone who has supported her journey so far. "We win and lose as a team," she added.
Historic win
Verma rises from the ashes
Pratika Rawal's injury allowed Verma to re-emerge from the ashes. From warming the bench to lifting the coveted trophy, the latter saw it all. The ICC's award also marks a remarkable comeback for Verma, who was previously dropped from India's WODI squad before making a successful return to domestic cricket and earning her World Cup berth.
Award
About the ICC award
The ICC acknowledges brilliant performances every month in men's and women's categories internationally, and therefore, those players are nominated. Eventually, one of them is picked as the winner for that particular month. The cricket board has been handing out these monthly awards since the start of 2021. Renowned journalists and former cricketers form the voting panel. Meanwhile, the public has 10% voting rights.