Table of Contents
Sri Lanka’s Sonal Dinusha and Isle of Man’s Lucy Barnett have been named the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month for August 2026, respectively. Dinusha received the men’s award after a stunning run of form against India in the ICC World Test Championship series, while Barnett was recognised for her excellent performances during Isle of Man’s campaign in the Women’s Continental Cup.
Sonal Dinusha finished the two-Test series against India as the leading run-scorer, collecting 420 runs at an average of 140. He registered three centuries and a half-century across the four innings. Barnett, meanwhile, scored 257 runs in four T20Is at an average of 128.50 and a strike rate of 178.47. She also made a significant contribution with the ball, claiming four wickets at an average of 14.25 and an economy rate of 3.80.
ICC Player of the Month winners for August 2026 revealed
Sonal Dinusha has won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for the first time in his career after making a major impact in Sri Lanka’s two-Test home series against India. The left-handed batter had played only three Tests before the series but quickly emerged as Sri Lanka’s most productive batter.
Sonal Dinusha scored 100 and 84 in the first Test before following it up with scores of 103 and 133* in the second Test. His unbeaten century in Colombo helped Sri Lanka secure a draw and avoid a series sweep, with India eventually winning the series 1-0. Dinusha was also named Player of the Match in the second Test.
Lucy Barnett, meanwhile, claimed her maiden ICC Women’s Player of the Month award after playing a pivotal role in Isle of Man’s run to the Women’s Continental Cup final. The 19-year-old finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer.
Barnett began the competition with an unbeaten 71 against Romania before scoring just four against Greece. She responded with an unbeaten 123 from 64 balls against Norway and then produced a 59 in the final against Turkey.
Across four T20Is, Barnett accumulated 257 runs at an average of 128.50 and a strike rate of 178.47. Her all-round contribution also included four wickets at an economy rate of 3.80 and an average of 14.25.
Representing Sri Lanka is a privilege I never take for granted - Sonal Dinusha
Reflecting on receiving his first ICC Player of the Month award, Sonal Dinusha said the recognition was particularly meaningful at this stage of his international career.
“This recognition means so much to me, especially so early in my career, and I’m truly grateful to the ICC for this honour," Sonal Dinusha said while reflecting on his latest achievement.
Sonal Dinusha also looked back at his performances against India and described the series as a memorable chapter of his career, particularly because of the three centuries he scored.
"The series against India will always hold a special place in my heart. Scoring three centuries was a dream come true, made even more meaningful by achieving them in Colombo and Galle in front of our home fans.
“Although we didn’t get the overall result we hoped for, the way our team fought back in the second match showed the character, belief and determination we have as a side. I’m proud to have shared that fight with my teammates.
Having made his Test debut only last year, Sonal Dinusha said the award would motivate him to continue developing and contributing to Sri Lanka.
“Representing Sri Lanka is a privilege I never take for granted, and this recognition gives me even more motivation to keep learning, improving and contributing to the team.
"I’ll continue to give my very best for Sri Lanka in the months and years ahead."
Winning the ICC Player of the Month award is an incredible feeling - Lucy Barnett
Lucy Barnett became the first Isle of Man player to receive the ICC Player of the Month honour. Speaking about the achievement, the teenager admitted that the recognition still felt difficult to believe.
“Winning the ICC Player of the Month award is an incredible feeling and, honestly, still feels a little unbelievable as I am making history of sorts for the Isle of Man," Barnett said.
Barnett said she was proud to have been recognised after producing a strong month and highlighted the wider growth of women’s cricket.
"I knew I had a strong month, but to be recognised ahead of so many others is something I’m immensely proud of and will cherish for a very long time.
“It’s a fantastic time for women’s cricket, and to have the spotlight on me now is a truly special feeling.
"I’m grateful to the ICC for this honour and to all my team-mates, coaches and officials who have made my international journey such an enjoyable and rewarding one.
Barnett also explained that the award had given her further motivation to continue performing for Isle of Man in the matches ahead.
"This award gives me even more motivation to keep pushing myself, and I hope to carry this form into the matches ahead and create many more special moments for my team.”
Also Read: Mohammad Rizwan’s plea rejected in online betting case by Lahore HC
