Honouring a range of leading initiatives by Associate Members, six nations have claimed global ICC Development Awards for 2023.
Mexico, Oman, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Nepal and Scotland have claimed accolades in 2023, with winners coming from a 21-nation shortlist named by the ICC Development Awards Panel.
Launched back in 2002, the Development Awards acknowledge the tireless work of Associate Members to grow the game across the world, whether it be through development programmes or achievements on the field.
In this year’s awards, Mexico claimed the ICC Development Initiative of the Year, acknowledged for multiple projects. This includes sending a team to the Street Child Cricket World Cup in India, and the Cricket in Prisons programme, in which they delivered sessions in correctional facilities to enhance the rehabilitation of inmates in Mexico City.
Chairman of Mexico Cricket Ben Owen praised the work of volunteers in the Mexican community.
“It is first and foremost a truly meaningful recognition at the highest level, that our volunteers who have put in so many hours are both valued and respected,” he told the ICC.
“It also shows our stakeholders, such as our National Sports Ministry, as well as current and future sponsors that cricket in Mexico is indeed on a huge growth trend and this recognition will accelerate conversations we are already having on multiple levels.”
Oman celebrated the 100% Cricket Female Cricket Initiative of the Year award, with their Cricket4Her programme building an environment that encourages talent development, empowerment and an enhancement of cricketing skills.
The project has led to a 16-team soft ball league in the country, with nine teams moving to hard ball play on the road to a pipeline for elite women’s cricket.
Chairman of Oman cricket Pankaj Khimji wants to build on the initiative to take Omani cricket to “greater heights.”
“We hope that we are able to take this to the next level, adding more schools, colleges and girls from local communities,” he said.
“Harnessing the family factor into cricket is going to be the major success factor for cricket in Oman.”
On the field, The Netherlands claimed Associate Member Men’s Performance of the Year, after a spellbinding Cricket World Cup 2023 qualification run, before wins over South Africa and Bangladesh at the tournament proper.
On the women’s side, UAE claimed the Women’s Performance of the Year, going unbeaten at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Kuala Lumpur, capped off with a win in the tournament final over a strong Thailand side.
Nepal celebrated the Digital Fan Engagement Initiative of the Year award, after recording growth across their Facebook channel of over 400% across the calendar year.
Once a hero on the field, now secretary of Cricket Association of Nepal, Paras Khadka recognised the work of both the board and the fans supporting cricket in the country.
“This recognition reflects the collective effort of our entire cricket community including our fans who have been one of our greatest strengths over the years,” he said.
“By promoting the game for both our women’s and men’s cricket, we are trying to create a vibrant and inclusive cricket culture in Nepal.”
“Our digital strategies have brought fans closer to the game, meaning a deeper connection and passion for cricket in our country, and this accolade inspires us to continue our mission of growing the game and engaging our fans in new and exciting ways.”
To round out the awards, Scotland were recipients of the Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year, teaming up with Beyond Boundaries, a Scottish charity that uses cricket to support young, disadvantaged and underrepresented people.
Helping in the development in women’s cricket, forming disability clubs and providing free community sessions, head of development for Cricket Scotland Nicola Wilson believes the initiatives can help transform people’s lives in a positive way.
“Our partnership (with Beyond Boundaries) covers so many aspects of the work we do; this includes our Disability Champion Clubs, the growth of women’s and girls’ cricket through the Wee Bash, the Female Coach Development Programme and the Women’s Beyond Boundaries T20 Scottish Cup, and the HOWZAT programme for five to 11-year-olds,” she said.
“It is fantastic to see the success of these programmes, which have positively impacted so many people across Scotland, being given global recognition.”
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