Namibia triumphs in ICC Development Awards 2023

Namibia celebrated a triumphant year at the ICC Development Awards 2022, securing victories in three prestigious categories. The awards, established in 2002, recognize the outstanding efforts of ICC Members in developing cricket in nations striving to make their mark in the sport. The event serves as a platform to acknowledge groundbreaking projects and programs that have had a transformative impact on cricket development in these regions.

ICC General Manager Development, William Glenwright, expressed his admiration for the commendable work carried out by ICC Members and emphasized the significance of the awards in highlighting their accomplishments. The ICC Development Awards showcase inspirational stories of success, showcasing the dedication and innovation of global federations in expanding and nurturing the game of cricket.

Namibia, with its exceptional contributions, emerged as winners in three categories, namely the ICC Development Initiative of the Year, the Men’s Associate Performance of the Year, and the Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year. This impressive feat demonstrates Namibia’s commitment to the growth and progress of cricket within its borders.

Cricket Namibia was bestowed with the prestigious ICC Development Initiative of the Year award in recognition of their Ashburton Kwata Mini-Cricket Programme. Launched in 2009, this initiative promotes the values of respect, leadership, and resilience through cricket. The program encourages children to play cricket in open environments, fostering a love for the sport and instilling essential life skills.

Nigeria Cricket Federation was celebrated as winners of the 100% Cricket Female Cricket Initiative of the Year award. This remarkable achievement recognizes Nigeria’s efforts in implementing cricket programs in Zamfara state, a region facing significant challenges in terms of women’s sports participation. Despite obstacles, Nigeria has made significant strides in empowering women through cricket and providing them with opportunities to excel.

Namibia won the ICC Associate Member Men’s Performance of the Year award for their stunning victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This memorable achievement marks a milestone in Namibian cricket history, as they defeated the former ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Champions. The win reflects the dedication, sacrifice, and determination of the entire team, etching this triumph into the memories of fans and inspiring future generations of cricketers.

The African continent showcased its prowess in cricket development as other nations also claimed top honors in various award categories. Nigeria’s exceptional efforts in promoting women’s cricket led them to claim the 100% Cricket Female Cricket Initiative of the Year award. Rwanda’s remarkable achievements in women’s cricket resulted in them securing the ICC Associate Member Women’s Performance of the Year award. Uganda’s innovative approach to fan engagement earned them the ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year award.

The winners were selected by a panel of experts consisting of Graeme Smith, Mel Jones, and Stafanie Taylor, who carefully evaluated the achievements and impact of each nominee. The victories of Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda highlight the progress and potential within African cricket.

These awards not only recognize the accomplishments of the respective nations but also serve as an inspiration for other cricketing nations to continue their efforts in developing the sport. The recognition received at the ICC Development Awards serves as a testament to the hard work, commitment, and passion exhibited by players, coaches, administrators, and supporters involved in cricket development programs.