ICC announces largest 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme intake to date

• Twenty-five future female leaders in cricket will form part of the 2023 Future Leaders Programme

The third edition of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme begins on 18 May 2023 and comprises a record-breaking intake of 25 future female leaders in cricket.

The mentees, who have increased from 20 in 2022, will be paired with senior leaders from across global cricket to work on a one-on-one basis over a six-month period and will receive training and support in their areas of expertise in dealing with real-time and real-world issues and projects. The Programme will also include two full online group workshops and a debrief session with Programme Guide, Belinda Clark AO as well as smaller mentee peer working group sessions.

The Future Leaders Programme is a mentorship programme for future female leaders in the sport and forms part of the ICC’s long-term commitment to accelerate the growth of women’s cricket and women in the game. It falls under the 100% Cricket campaign, the objective of which is to promote gender equity, as well as to empower women and young girls through cricket.

The Programme’s aim is to address the low percentage of women in leadership positions in global cricket and to promote and support emerging female talent in the cricket landscape from coaching, officiating, administration, and broadcast, to marketing, digital and technology, journalism, and events.

Mentor, commentator and journalist, Alison Mitchell said: “Women are underrepresented in leadership positions in cricket, and the game will only be stronger for having a greater breadth of perspective amongst its leaders. Leadership comes in many forms and at many levels however, it is important that the programme draws upon both male and female mentors from across the game, to offer guidance to women on their journey. It is a unique programme in that it is truly multi-national and cross-cultural. I have been excited to learn who my mentee is, and I’m looking forward to what will no doubt be an enriching experience for both of us.

"Lots of people helped me at different times along my career path as a journalist and then commentator at a time when there were no other female commentators to look up to, but I never had a mentor as such. Looking back, I wish I did. I’m now keen to offer what guidance I can to encourage my mentee down her own path."

ICC Chief Executive, Geoff Allardice said: “We have had an overwhelming response to the first two editions of the Future Leaders Programme and are delighted by the continued growth in interest for year three.

“We look forward to another group of talented female leaders in our sport emerging with more tools and knowledge to apply to their respective areas, and hopefully resulting in them spearheading the change we want to see in cricket.

“The programme has been well-supported by our Members and we are grateful to our mentors who have volunteered their time and knowledge for this important assignment.

“Congratulations to our latest intake of Future Leaders, we wish them all a productive learning experience.”

About 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme

The 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme is open for all female future leaders of cricket to apply and will be matched with a mentor to support their development growth.

The role of a mentor is to unlock their mentee’s potential and help them to be at their best. This could include being a confidential sounding-board, providing advice, guidance, and connections to reach their potential.

The philosophy of the 100% Cricket - Future Leaders Programme is to be participant led, with the ICC acting in support to match the mentees with suitable mentors to provide guidelines and evaluation frameworks for the participants and opportunities to network and interact.