Netherlands, UAE, Nepal, Mexico, Oman, and Scotland Win ICC Development Awards 2023
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced six nations as winners of the ICC Development Award for 2023. The winners are Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Nepal, Mexico, Oman, and Scotland. These countries were recognized for their transformative work in associate cricket.
Mexico
Mexico was acknowledged for pioneering multiple projects, including sending a team to the Street Child Cricket World Cup in India and their unique Cricket in Prisons programme. Chairman of Mexico Cricket Ben Owen called winning the award “a huge honour” for his country.
Oman
Oman launched the Cricket4Her programme to redefine women’s cricket in the country. 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.”
Netherlands
The Netherlands had a successful 2023, qualifying for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Chief Executive of the KNCB Monica Visser paid tribute to the Dutch playing group and staff led by head coach Ryan Cook.
United Arab Emirates
The rise of the Emirati women’s team was highlighted by their unbeaten run at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier. General Secretary of Emirates Cricket Board, Mubashshir Usmani, called winning the award a “proud moment.”
Nepal
Nepal recorded notable growth, illustrated by a 400% increase in reach on their Facebook channels. Former Nepali men’s captain and now secretary of Cricket Association of Nepal Paras Khadka recognized the work of both his association and the millions of fans supporting the country.
Scotland
Cricket Scotland teamed up with Beyond Boundaries, a Scottish charity, to support young, disadvantaged, and underrepresented people. Head of development for Cricket Scotland Nicola Wilson believes the partnership is “key to transforming lives.”
Doubts Revealed
Netherlands -: The Netherlands is a country in Europe, known for its tulips, windmills, and canals.
UAE -: UAE stands for the United Arab Emirates, a country in the Middle East known for its modern cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Nepal -: Nepal is a country in South Asia, famous for Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world.
Mexico -: Mexico is a country in North America, known for its rich culture, food, and ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans.
Oman -: Oman is a country in the Middle East, known for its beautiful deserts, mountains, and coastline.
Scotland -: Scotland is a part of the United Kingdom, known for its historic castles, bagpipes, and the Loch Ness Monster.
ICC -: ICC stands for the International Cricket Council, which is the global governing body for the sport of cricket.
Cricket -: Cricket is a popular sport played with a bat and ball, especially in countries like India, England, and Australia.
Associate cricket -: Associate cricket refers to countries that are not full members of the ICC but still play international cricket.
Cricket in Prisons programme -: This is a special program in Mexico where cricket is played in prisons to help inmates learn new skills and stay active.
Cricket4Her initiative -: This is a program in Oman aimed at encouraging more girls and women to play cricket.
ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 -: This is a major international cricket tournament where teams from around the world compete to be the best.
