The ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2025 has been awarded to South African all-rounder Aiden Markram. The South African team overcame all odds, ending  27 27-year drought of winning any major ICC trophy in June 2025. His winning century of 136 and the two vital wickets in the final of the World Cup against Australia at Lord's contributed well to South Africa winning the World Test Championship trophy. 

After returning to the pavilion with a duck by Mitchell Starc, a 30-year-old opening batter started delivering initially by dismissing Steve Smith, who was settled down to a dangerous partnership with Beau Webster. The momentum shifted toward South Africa when Smith fell to just his sixth delivery. In the later part of the Australian innings, he also got Josh Hazlewood's wicket, shifting the momentum toward South Africa. 

The situation was aggravated, with the team 74 runs behind and Australia rallying an infuriating 59-run last wicket stand. Markram was in the driving seat. His collaboration with skipper Temba Bavuma formed the stepping stone of South Africa's triumph. When Bavuma made it to the dressing room with an injury scare and was suggested to retire hurt, Markram made the right choice when his words made his captain press on. Their century partnership of 147 runs was an ace that brought South Africa close to victory.

South Africa have endured decades of near-misses in major tournaments, with psychological barriers often proving as challenging as opposition bowling attacks. Markram's performance at Lord's shattered those mental barriers, providing a template for handling pressure that the team can carry forward.

"It is a privilege to receive this award. To contribute to a ICC World Test Championship win for our team and South Africa is something that means a lot to me," Markram said to the ICC press release after receiving the honor. "Winning the final at Lord's is a historic moment for South African cricket, and it is something we will all remember forever. This victory was only possible due to the combined efforts of the entire team, with crucial contributions from KG (Kagiso Rabada) and Tembs (Temba Bavuma)."

The broader implications extend to South African cricket's future trajectory. With confidence restored and mental barriers removed, the Proteas can approach future tournaments with renewed belief. Markram's heroics at Lord's have provided both inspiration and proof that South African cricket can deliver when it matters most.