ICC Development Awards 2023: The International Cricket Council (ICC) held its annual event of ICC Development Awards, and the apex institution of cricket in the world awarded six associate nations for their antics in the calendar year 2023. The awards were decided by the ICC Development Awards Panel from a shortlist consisting of 21 nations, and the awards are meant to acknowledge the work of associate nations in the field of cricket and their attempt to grow the game in their region.
Here Are The Following Winners Of ICC Development Awards 2023
1. ICC Development Initiative of the Year - Mexico Cricket Association
Mexico have started taking cricket as a major sport, as the Central American nation sent their team in the Street Child Cricket World Cup in India, and have also launched the Cricket in Prisons programme, which aims at teaching prisoners the sport and improve their rehabilitation.
“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. 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," said Ben Owen, Chairman of Mexico Cricket.
2. 100% Cricket Female Cricket Initiative of the Year - Oman
Oman have made their mark in the Men's cricket, but the nation have started to develop their Women's cricket as well. The Asian nation recently launched the Cricket4Her programme, and the programme showed immediate results, as Women's cricket took a boon in the country.
“We hope that we are able to take this to the next level, adding more schools, colleges and girls from local communities. Harnessing the family factor into cricket is going to be the major success factor for cricket in Oman,” said Pankaj Khimji, Chairman of Oman Cricket.
3. ICC Associate Member Men’s Performance of the Year - Netherlands
Netherlands were arguably the best associate nation in the year 2023, as the side scripted historic victories over the likes of West Indies (ICC Cricket World 2023 Global Qualifiers) and South Africa (ICC Cricket World 2023 League Stage). The European nation can now easily be called a major threat to hot conteders at the mega events.
"The national men’s team had an incredible year in 2023, first by qualifying in Zimbabwe for the World Cup and then by strong performances in the World Cup itself by beating South Africa and Bangladesh. It was an amazing experience, triggered by a clear philosophy and the result of hard work from Ryan Cook and his staff as well as the players’ commitment and aspirations. Playing in the World Cups has inspired many. The performances of our national teams, men and women, have boosted the growth of Dutch cricket." said Monica Visser, Chief Executive of the KNCB.
4. ICC Associate Member Women’s Performance of the Year - United Arab Emirates
UAE have shown great improvement in their Women's cricket, as the side won the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Kuala Lumpur in 2023 by going unbeaten in the tournament, and the side did well in their Women's T20 World Cup 2024 qualifying campaign.
"Over the last few years, we have laid special emphasis on promoting and developing women’s cricket and it is heartening to see those efforts have now started to bear fruit. This success has been possible due to the hard work and the training that these girls undergo at our facilities. We are happy with the progress of our team as they continue to rise in their rankings while their upward curve is evident from their outstanding performance in the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Abu Dhabi," said Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary of Emirates Cricket Board.
5. ICC Digital Fan Engagement Initiative of the Year - Nepal
Nepal have announced their arrival at the global stage in an impressive style, as they gave scare to the likes of South Africa and Bangladesh in the group stage. The T20 World Cup 2024 saw a huge fanbase of Nepal in attendance at the venues, and their social media took a huge leap in their reach and numbers, as their Facebook (now Meta) account saw a growth of over 400%.
“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. 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,'' said Paras Khadka , Secretary of Cricket Association of Nepal.
6. Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year - Scotland
Scotland Cricket partnered with Beyond Boundaries, a Scottish charity, as the duo collaborated to aid the young, disadvantaged and underrepresented people in the country. The partnership aims at transforming life in both Men's and Women's cricket by
establishing disability clubs and providing free community sessions.
“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. It is fantastic to see the success of these programmes, which have positively impacted so many people across Scotland, being given global recognition.” said Nicola Wilson , Head of Development for Cricket Scotland.