The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the global winners of the 2024 ICC Development Awards, celebrating innovation, inclusion, and impact in cricket among Associate Member nations. The awards, now expanded to seven categories with the addition of the ICC X Rexona Criiio Festival of the Year, spotlight outstanding initiatives that fuel grassroots growth, enhance female participation, and drive digital engagement.
First launched in 2002, the ICC Development Awards programme continues to embody its mission of “leading the growth of the sport around the world.”
The 2024 global winners are Bhutan, Indonesia, Namibia, Nepal, Scotland, Tanzania, the USA, and Vanuatu.
2024 ICC Development Awards – Global Winners
1. ICC Development Initiative of the Year
Winner: Cricket Namibia
Namibia’s Ashburton Kwata Mini-Cricket Programme earned the award for its nation-wide integration into public school curriculums. Operating across 14 regions, this flagship grassroots initiative has reached tens of thousands of students, expanding the game’s reach and fostering early engagement.
2. ICC Female Cricket Initiative of the Year
Winners: Bhutan Cricket Council Board & Vanuatu Cricket Association
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Bhutan’s Inter-School Girls’ Competition introduced the game to thousands of first-time female players through a phased transition from tennis ball to hardball cricket.
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Vanuatu’s “Picking Wickets” Programme used a hybrid training model combining remote and in-person sessions for players engaged in seasonal fruit-picking employment in Australia. The initiative ensured continued skill development and maintained player connectivity.
3. ICC Associate Member Men’s Team Performance of the Year
Winner: USA Cricket
The USA Men’s Team stunned Pakistan and reached the Super Eight stage in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, their best-ever performance in a major tournament. This historic run significantly boosted the sport’s visibility in mainstream American media.
4. ICC Associate Member Women’s Team Performance of the Year
Winner: Cricket Scotland
Scotland secured qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024—their first-ever appearance. With standout performances in the Qualifier and Player of the Tournament honours for skipper Kathryn Bryce, this was a landmark year for Scottish women’s cricket.
5. ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year
Winner: Cricket Association of Nepal
Through a strong multi-platform strategy, CAN reached a total audience of 117 million and added over 420,000 new followers. Highlights included:
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13.4M+ video minutes watched on Facebook
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2.13M+ YouTube watch hours (277% YoY growth)
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40M+ views on Instagram, driven by engaging real-time content
6. ICC Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year
Winner: Persatuan Cricket Indonesia
The “Cricket for Confidence” programme empowered over 300 schoolgirls in some of Indonesia’s most remote provinces. It offered many girls their first experience of organised physical activity and introduced cricket in regions with minimal access to sport.
7. ICC X Rexona Criiio Festival of the Year
Winner: Tanzania Cricket Association
Held in Dar es Salaam as part of the “From Kitchen to Crease” campaign, the festival brought together 120 women—ranging from housewives to retired cricketers—highlighting cricket’s power to foster inclusivity, empowerment, and community.
ICC Chairperson Jay Shah on the Awards
“This is a celebration of global exceptionalism, with all winners worthy of the accolades they have received in their mission to grow the game in emerging nations. We join the world in celebrating the passion, hard work and innovation behind these successful initiatives.”
— Jay Shah, ICC Chairperson
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