Dubai, July 17: In a significant recognition for transformative efforts in Associate Members, Mexico, Oman, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Nepal, and Scotland have been honoured with the ICC Development Award for 2023. The prestigious awards highlight groundbreaking initiatives by ICC Associate Members with these nations receiving accolades across six categories.
The winners were selected from a 21-nation shortlist by the ICC Development Awards Panel, acknowledging their substantial contributions to growing the game globally.
Mexico was celebrated for its innovative programs, including sending a team to the Street Child Cricket World Cup in India and launching the unique Cricket in Prisons initiative. This program aims to aid inmate rehabilitation through cricket sessions in Mexico City prisons.
Chairman of Mexico Cricket, Ben Owen, expressed immense pride in the recognition, emphasizing that it validates the tireless efforts of volunteers and enhances the credibility of cricket in Mexico.
“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 said to ICC.
Oman received accolades for its Cricket4Her programme, aimed at reshaping the landscape of women’s cricket in the country. The initiative has led to a surge in participation, with 16 teams in softball tournaments and nine teams transitioning to hardball cricket league play. Chairman of Oman Cricket, Pankaj Khimji, highlighted the program’s impact and expressed hopes of further expanding women’s cricket across schools, colleges, and local communities.
The Netherlands’ outstanding achievements in 2023, particularly their qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and notable wins against South Africa and Bangladesh, earned them well-deserved recognition. Monica Visser, Chief Executive of the KNCB, lauded the team’s dedication and the strategic vision of head coach Ryan Cook.
The UAE women’s team made headlines with its unbeaten run at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier, culminating in a victory against Thailand. This success laid the groundwork for their Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier campaign. Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board, expressed pride in the team’s achievements and acknowledged the extensive efforts in promoting women’s cricket.
Nepal’s remarkable growth in fan engagement, illustrated by a 400% increase in Facebook reach, was a highlight of their 2023 success. Paras Khadka, former men’s captain and secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal, praised the collective efforts of the cricket community and the unwavering support of fans. The association’s digital strategies have deepened the connection between fans and the game, fostering a vibrant cricket culture in Nepal.
Cricket Scotland, in partnership with the charity Beyond Boundaries, received accolades for their inclusive cricket programs supporting disadvantaged and underrepresented groups. These initiatives include disability clubs, free community sessions, and efforts to boost women’s and girls’ cricket. Nicola Wilson, head of development for Cricket Scotland, emphasized the importance of collaboration in transforming lives. (IANS)
