Shafali Verma has been named ICC Women’s Player of the Month for September 2026 after playing a decisive role in India’s title-winning campaigns at both the Women’s Asia Cup and the Asian Games.
The India opener combined destructive batting with increasingly valuable contributions through her off-spin, helping India complete a memorable month with two major trophies.
“It is an incredible honour to win the ICC Player of the Month award again,” Shafali said. “It was immensely satisfying to play my part in our victories at the Asia Cup and the Asian Games, and winning this award makes those triumphs even more special.”
Shafali Dominates Women’s Asia Cup
Shafali finished the Women’s Asia Cup in the UAE as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, accumulating 236 runs in five innings.
She produced a composed 64 in the semi-final against Bangladesh before delivering another important innings of 68 in the final against Sri Lanka.
India went on to secure a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title and their fourth in the T20 format, following previous triumphs in 2012, 2016 and 2022.
Alongside Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order, Shafali repeatedly gave India aggressive starts that allowed the rest of the batting line-up to build from a strong platform.
Asian Games Century Highlights Golden Campaign
Shafali carried her form into the Asian Games in Japan, where India successfully claimed the gold medal.
She scored 188 runs across three innings, beginning with an unbeaten 40 against hosts Japan before producing the defining innings of her campaign in the semi-final against Bangladesh.
Shafali smashed her maiden T20I century from just 49 balls, becoming one of the standout performers of India’s run to the final.
She then contributed another 48 against Sri Lanka in the gold-medal match as India completed their successful Asian Games campaign.
Growing Impact With the Ball
Shafali’s influence was not restricted to batting.
She collected two wickets during the Asia Cup before adding four more at the Asian Games, including two in the final against Sri Lanka.
Her developing off-spin has added another dimension to India’s white-ball setup, giving the team an additional bowling option alongside one of the most destructive opening batters in the women’s game.
The performances also helped Shafali climb into the top four of the ICC Women’s T20I batting rankings.
Zimbabwe Series Next for India
The award arrives shortly before India begin their first bilateral white-ball series against Zimbabwe.
The teams will play three T20Is followed by three ODIs from October 16 to 28. The series will also mark Smriti Mandhana’s first assignment as India’s permanent all-format captain following Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to step down.
For Shafali, it offers another opportunity to carry her outstanding form into India’s next international challenge.
Champions Trophy Already in Shafali’s Sights
India’s longer-term focus will turn towards the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy, scheduled to be played at home from February 14 to 28, 2027.
Shafali is already looking forward to another major global event.
“I am excited about the months ahead and determined to keep performing at my best, with the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in February next year another tournament to look forward to,” she said.
“The memory of winning the World Cup is still so fresh and special, and I can’t wait to be back on the field for an ICC tournament on home soil. It promises to be an unforgettable experience!”
Shafali was also named Player of the Match in India’s ODI World Cup final victory over South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium.
Her latest ICC award further underlines a remarkable period in her career. From Asia Cup success to Asian Games gold, Shafali has developed from a fearless opening batter into an increasingly influential all-round performer for India.
