ICC announces lineup of mentees as Future Leaders Programme for administrators launches in Dubai
- 15 Mentees have been selected for the latest edition designed for cricket administrators
- Programme began with Dubai workshop from 20 October
- Cohort will benefit from a prominent panel of mentors during an enhanced ten-month programme of learning
The fourth edition of the International Cricket Council’s 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme is underway, with Dubai hosting the opening workshop which pairs the 15 successful mentees that form the latest cohort with a renowned list of influential names from across the cricket landscape.
Building on the positive impact of previous editions, the 2024 programme is tailored specifically for two workstreams, one of which is administrators, and will feature an extended ten-month long learning journey to equip mentees with the skills required to forge a pathway through to senior positions in the sport.
The Future Leaders Programme, launched in 2021, has established itself as a key strategic initiative in the ICC’s ambition to address the underrepresentation of female leaders within cricket, and the application process for places on the programme for administrators was met with strong interest.
Benefitting from the 2024 offering will be professionals representing ICC Member federations such as Cricket Australia, Cricket South Africa, Cricket PNG, Cricket Belgium, as well as others that work within domestic structures around the world.
Providing guidance as mentors are prominent figures including chief executives, general managers and directors from a range of cricket and wider sporting organisations, who will promote and support their development under the expert guidance of Programme Guide, Belinda Clark.
Former Australia captain and ICC Hall of Famer, Clark, said: “This is an exciting time for the game. The transformation of cricket on the field has been amazing and inspires us to work towards accelerating progress off the field. This programme is designed to support that change.”
ICC Manager – Women’s Cricket, Snehal Pradhan, added: “The Future Leaders Programme for administrators is one of the ICC’s most powerful interventions to impact a business problem the cricket ecosystem has, of not having enough female leaders.
“We’re delighted to be able to significantly upgrade the programme this year, starting with the in-person workshop led by Belinda. We’ve had great buy-in from various stakeholders into this programme, from Members to commercial partners to the mentors who have come on board from cricket and other sports. All this underlines the value everyone sees in the programme.”
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.
The confirmed list of mentees and mentors in the 2024 Future Leaders Programme for Administrators are:
Ameena Smith - Company Secretary, Western Province Cricket Association paired with mentor Archana Chopara - Executive Director HR, Disney Star
Amelia Francine Lawac - Administration Manager, Vanuatu Cricket Association paired with mentor Sarah Gomersall - CEO, Jersey Cricket
Chevon Prescod - Senior Women's Manager, Barbados Cricket Association paired with mentor Fara Gorsi - Development Manager, Americas, ICC
Christelle Janse Van Rensburg - Financial Manager, Cricket South Africa paired with mentor Andrea Nelson - CEO, Gymnastics New Zealand
Dhwani Kitchlue - Partnerships Lead, Adani Sportsline paired with mentor Mubashshir Usmani - Chair of Associates, ICC
Emma Calvert - Director of Women's Cricket, Surrey CCC paired with mentor Salman Naseer - Chief Operating Officer, Pakistan Cricket Board
Henao Samuel - Participation Programs Manager, Cricket PNG paired with mentor Claire Kelly - Managing Director, Gemba Europe
Krystal Davie - Competition Support Lead, Cricket Australia paired with mentor Beth Barrett-Wild - Director, Women's Professional Game, England and Wales Cricket Board
Shireen Dastagir - Head PR and Communication, ITW Universe paired with mentor Claire Furlong - Managing Director, Claire Furlong Consulting
Natasha Cherriath - Sports Operations and Management professional paired with mentor Scott Weenink - CEO, New Zealand Cricket
Olivia Erwin - Head of Partnerships, Surrey CCC paired with mentor Jinisha Sharma - Director, Capri Sports (UP Warriorz, Sharjah Warriorz)
Smriti Kaneria - Women's Development Officer, Belgium Cricket paired with mentor Lisa O’Keefe - Secretary General, IWG Women & Sport
Tara Grewal - Director of Marketing and Commercial, Abu Dhabi Sports Hub paired with mentor Olivia Thornton - CEO, Cricket ACT
Tara Wilkinson-McClean - Head of Partner Servicing, Caribbean Premier League paired with mentor Lydia Buthello - Head, Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre
Stephanie McCormick - Intelligence Manager, ICC paired with mentor Sara Niblock - Director, Anti-Discrimination Unit & Safeguarding Cricket Regulator, England and Wales Cricket Board
ENDS