ICC announces enhanced 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme as 2024 campaign prepares for launch

• Fourth edition of the groundbreaking initiative designed for administrators is set to begin with applications accepted from 19 August
• The project pairs aspiring female leaders in cricket with leading figures to promote and support their development within the sport
• Interested female applicants can apply here, with more information available on the ICC website

The latest edition of the 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme targeting cricket administrators was announced today by the International Cricket Council (ICC), in an enhanced structure which builds on previous success to provide more world-class development opportunities to aspiring female leaders in the sport than ever before.

The Future Leaders Programme forms part of the ICC’s long-term commitment to accelerate the growth of women’s cricket and women in the game, with applications for the next intake invited from Monday 19 August.

Launched in 2021, the programme has sought to address the underrepresentation of females in leadership positions within cricket by offering online mentorship opportunities for future leaders, pairing them with senior figures to promote and support their career development.

The initiative has not only proven to be popular, but it has also established a track record of success, with a number of graduates from the first three editions having experienced notable career progression in a wide range of areas spanning the global game.

Building on the positive impact of previous editions, the 2024 offering is specifically tailored for female cricket administrators, who are set to benefit from an extended programme of ten months’ duration, where successful candidates will connect in a combination of face-to-face and online learning opportunities.

The course comprises two three-day in-person workshops, supported by project work, mentoring and online masterclasses delivered by former Australia captain and ICC Hall of Famer, Belinda Clark AO.

With a focus on connecting with communities and supporting initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, Emirates and ICC will collaborate on initiatives within the ICC’s 100% Cricket programme and work together to empower women and young girls through the sport.

Candidates from across the cricket family are invited to apply, and those interested in being part of the programme in 2024 can apply here from Monday 19 August.

More information on eligibility criteria, course fees and required supporting documentation is available on the ICC website. The deadline for applications is Sunday 15 September.

ICC General Manager – Marketing and Communications, Claire Furlong, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of the latest edition of the hugely successful 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme.

“The programme continues to grow, highlighted by a record number of applicants last year who registered to take advantage of this world-class learning opportunity.

“The Future Leaders Programme engages with a number of elite mentors that have a diverse knowledge of what it is like to operate in a high-level sporting environment, and it has already become an established platform from which we can grow the number of females in leadership positions in cricket.

“By offering an extended, more interactive project for 2024, we hope to create many more opportunities for aspiring females to develop a wide range of skills, and I would encourage anyone hoping to further their career in the sport to apply.”

Programme Guide, Belinda Clark AO, said: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with a group of passionate women who will, over ten months, be challenged to grow through a range of interactions and experiences that will be world class.

“This program builds on the previous 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme and, with the support of my learned colleague Chris Rubick, we will create a learning experience that will stretch individuals and be game-changing for the sport.”

Anita Shetty, Senior Finance Business Partner at Cricket Australia (CA) and past graduate of the ICC Future Leaders Programme, added: “This programme gave me the opportunity to connect with inspiring women from around the world, to know and learn from an amazing mentor in Will Glenwright, be guided by Belinda Clark and access to an arsenal of learning resources.

“It gave me the confidence to believe in myself and take more chances, resulting in a promotion to Senior Finance Business Partner last year and an opportunity to be the opening speaker at the internal launch of CA’s Women and Girls Strategy.

“I would recommend this programme to every woman in cricket who would like to be empowered and build skills to bring about change and contribute towards the success of the sport.

“I would like to thank ICC for this great initiative and Samantha Douglas, the ex-CFO at CA for nominating me for this programme.”