The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the winners of the ICC Development Awards, recognizing the efforts of emerging cricket-playing nations to advance the sport globally. Six nations – Mexico, Oman, Netherlands, UAE, Nepal, and Scotland – have been honored for their path-breaking initiatives.
Launched in 2002, these awards celebrate the innovative development programs and inspiring on-field performances of ICC Associate Members. This year, the six winners were selected from a list of 21 emerging cricket-playing nations.
The Mexico Cricket Association received the ‘ICC Development Initiative of the Year’ award for their pioneering projects. These projects include sending a team to the Street Child Cricket World Cup in India and the “Cricket in Prisons” program, which delivers cricket sessions in prisons across Mexico City.
Oman Cricket was awarded the ‘100 per cent Female Cricket Initiative of the Year’ for their Cricket4Her program, demonstrating their commitment to promoting women’s cricket.
The Netherlands secured the ‘ICC Associate Member Men’s Performance of the Year’ award for their successful qualification to the Men’s Cricket World Cup in India. Meanwhile, the UAE claimed the ‘Associate Member Women’s Performance of the Year’ award after a remarkable unbeaten run that culminated in their victory at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Asia Qualifier in Malaysia.
Cricket Association of Nepal was recognized for their impressive digital fan engagement, winning the ‘ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year’ award, thanks to their significant growth on social media channels. Cricket Scotland won the ‘Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year’ category, highlighting their commitment to using cricket as a force for good in society.
The ICC Development Awards stand as a testament to the dedication and innovation of these emerging cricket-playing nations in promoting the sport and creating a brighter future for cricket worldwide.
