Global ICC Development Awards announced as six inspiring initiatives honoured

Honouring a range of leading initiatives by Associate Members, six nations have claimed global ICC Development Awards for 2023.

Announced by the ICC on (Tuesday/Wednesday), Mexico, Oman, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Nepal and Scotland received honours across six categories, with winners selected from a 21-nation shortlist by the ICC Development Awards Panel.

Launched in 2002, the ICC Development Awards sheds light on the world-leading work being carried out in ICC Associate Member countries to grow the game globally, whether through innovative development programmes or through inspiring efforts on the field of play.

A look at how the six winning members claimed awards.

ICC Development Initiative of the Year - Mexico Cricket Association

Mexico were acknowledged for pioneering multiple projects, including sending a team to the Street Child Cricket World Cup in India, and for their unique Cricket in Prisons programme, in which they deliver sessions in prisons across Mexico City to enhance the rehabilitation of inmates.

Chairman of Mexico Cricket Ben Owen called winning the award "a huge honour" for his country, as they continue growing the game in Central America.

“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.

"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."

100% Cricket Female Cricket Initiative of the Year - Oman

Aiming to redfine the landscape of women's cricket in the country, Oman launched the Cricket4Her programme, building an environment that encourages talent development, skill enhancement and empowerment.

The project has led to immediate impact in the country, with 16 teams participating in soft ball tournaments, as well as nine teams transitioning to hard ball cricket league play, building a pathway for young women to move into competitive cricket nationally.

Chairman of Oman Cricket Mr Pankaj Khimji believes the achievement will put the country "on a pedestal", as they take women's cricket "to greater heights."

“We hope that we are able to take this to the next level, adding more schools, colleges and girls from local communities," he said.

"Harnessing the family factor into cricket is going to be the major success factor for cricket in Oman.”

ICC Associate Member Men’s Performance of the Year - Netherlands

It was a successful 2023 for the team in orange, qualifying for ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 thanks to awe-inspiring victories over the West Indies and Scotland on the road to India, before beating Bangladesh and South Africa at the tournament proper later in the year.

After their headline grabbing year, Chief Executive of the KNCB Monica Visser paid tribute to the Dutch playing group, and staff led by head coach Ryan Cook.

"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," she said.

“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."

ICC Associate Member Women’s Performance of the Year - United Arab Emirates

The rise of the Emirati women's team was on full display in 2023, going unbeaten at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Kuala Lumpur, capped off with a win in the tournament final over a strong Thailand side.

The success helped the team build into their Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier campaign, and General Secretary of Emirates Cricket Board, Mubashshir Usmani, called winning the award a "proud moment."

"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," Usmani said.

“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."

ICC Digital Fan Engagement Initiative of the Year - Nepal

Nepal recorded notable growth even among their passionate fanbase across the year, illustrated by a growth in reach on their Facebook channels of over 400%.

Former Nepali men's captain and now secretary of Cricket Association of Nepal Paras Khadka recognised the work of both his association and the millions of fans supporting the country.

“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," he said.

“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.''

Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year - Scotland

Cricket Scotland teamed up with Beyond Boundaries, a Scottish charity that uses cricket programmes to support young, disadvantaged and underrepresented people in the country.

Aiding in the development in women's cricket, establishing disability clubs and providing free community sessions, head of development for Cricket Scotland Nicola Wilson believes the partnership and collaborating with other organisations is "key to transforming lives."

“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," she said.

“It is fantastic to see the success of these programmes, which have positively impacted so many people across Scotland, being given global recognition.”