Mitchell Starc Wins ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2025

Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has capped off a memorable home season with a major individual honour. For his outstanding performances in the Ashes series, Starc was named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2025, reflecting his decisive role in Australia’s 4–1 series triumph.

Why in News?

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been awarded the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2025 following his exceptional all-round contributions in the Ashes series.

Starc’s Impact in the Ashes Series

• Mitchell Starc was a dominant force throughout the Ashes, delivering match-winning spells with the ball.
• He began the series in emphatic fashion with a 10-wicket haul in the opening Test at Perth, immediately putting England under pressure.
• He followed this up with eight wickets in the second Test at Brisbane, underlining his consistency and ability to exploit home conditions.
• Across the month of December alone, Starc claimed 16 wickets, showcasing sustained excellence at the highest level.

Consistency Across Test Matches

• Starc’s influence extended beyond the opening games. He continued to trouble English batters by taking four wickets each in the Adelaide and Melbourne Tests, ensuring Australia maintained control throughout the series.
• His ability to strike with the new ball and return for crucial breakthroughs later in the innings made him Australia’s most reliable bowler across conditions. This consistency was a key factor behind Australia establishing an unassailable series lead.

Player of the Series Performance

• By the end of the Ashes, Starc finished as the leading wicket-taker with 31 wickets and was deservedly named Player of the Series.
• His ability to deliver with both bat and ball highlighted his stature as one of the finest fast bowlers of his generation.
• The ICC award further recognised his impact during December, the most crucial phase of the series.

About ICC Player of the Month Award

• The ICC Player of the Month award, instituted by the International Cricket Council, recognizes outstanding individual performances in international cricket every month.
• It is decided based on on-field achievements and fan and expert voting.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. Mitchell Starc won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for which month?

A. November 2025
B. December 2025
C. January 2026
D. February 2026