Player of the Match Awards in Cricket: Selection and Significance
How the player of the match award is decided in cricket, what performances typically win it, and whether it is a reliable measure of individual contribution.
What Is the Player of the Match Award?
The Player of the Match award is given after each cricket match to the player judged to have made the most outstanding individual contribution to the match outcome. It is selected by a panel of former players or match officials. The award has no bearing on match points or standings, but it is prestigious recognition that features prominently in career records and individual sponsorship deals.
What Performances Win It?
The most common winning performances are: a century (or half-century in T20) from a batter in a match-winning innings, a five-wicket haul or 4+ wickets in a tight match, an outstanding all-round contribution (e.g. 50 runs and 3 wickets), or a match-defining partnership. In Test cricket, the award is often won by a batter who scores 150+ in the decisive innings. In T20 cricket, a death-over performance of 3 wickets for 15 runs or a 60-ball innings at 180 strike rate is typical.
Player of the Series
Player of the Series (or Player of the Tournament in major competitions) is awarded across multiple matches. It typically goes to the player who accumulated the most runs or wickets in the series, combined with consistency. In ICC tournaments, the Player of the Tournament carries significant prestige — Yuvraj Singh's 2011 World Cup all-round excellence and Glenn Maxwell's 2023 World Cup innings against Afghanistan are among the most celebrated tournament-winning performances.
Frequently asked questions
Who chooses the Player of the Match in cricket?
In ICC-sanctioned matches, a panel of former cricketers or the match referee selects the Player of the Match. In domestic competitions, the selection process varies by tournament.
Can a player from the losing team win Player of the Match?
Yes — a player who takes 7 wickets or scores a double century in a losing cause can sometimes win the award. However, it is very rare; winning-team players win approximately 90% of all Player of the Match awards.
Is the Player of the Match award the same as ICC Player of the Month?
No. The ICC Player of the Month is voted by the public and ICC panel based on a player's overall performance across multiple matches in a calendar month. The Player of the Match is for a single game only.