Ireland's Harry Tector beats Babar Azam to win ICC's Men's Player of The Month award

Ireland's Harry Tector has won the ICC's Men's Player Of The Month award for May 2023, beating off competition from Pakistan star Babar Azam and Bangladesh's Najmul Hossain Shanto on Monday.

Tector has been one of the rising stars in Ireland cricket and was in top form during the ODI series against Bangladesh recently. The 23-year-old was 21 not out in the first match, that got washed out, but it was in the second ODI he showed his class.

Tector scored 140 from just 113 balls with seven fours and 10 sixes to help Ireland recover from a poor start. The youngster would then cap off a great series for him with 45 in the final ODI.

Speaking to ICC, Tector expressed his delight at getting the award as he became the first Irish player to win the ICC accolade. However, the 23-year-old said that the award was a reflection on the performances and progress made by



Ireland.

"I'm delighted with the Award and would like to thank those who voted for me, however, cricket is a team sport first-and-foremost, so the Award is more a reflection on the performances and progress of the Ireland Men's squad," commented Tector.

"Without the support of Heinrich [Malan], Andrew [Balbirnie] and the dedicated group of coaches and players I work with, I wouldn't have been able to win this Award.

"While Laura [Delany] and Eimear [Richardson] have won the Women's equivalent, this is the first time an Irish player has picked up the Men's Award. While a personal privilege, I believe it won't be too much longer until more Irish players are being recognised this way.

"Thanks to the ICC - but I'm sure you'll understand that this will only be a brief moment of reflection as we have a crucial Qualifier starting in a matter of days, and our focus will be solely on that over the coming weeks."