UAE, Indonesia lead nominees for ICC Development Awards 2025

The International Cricket Council (ICC) have announced 30 ICC Development Awards 2025 regional winners across six categories that will compete at the Global Awards in July.

A further six Members have been shortlisted for the ICC criiio Cricket Festivals with Rexona.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah spoke on the relevance of ICC Development Awards for the growth of the game.

“The ICC Development Awards continue to highlight the outstanding work being delivered by our Members to grow cricket in emerging nations and create more opportunities for people to engage with the game around the world.

“Across every region, we are seeing innovation, inclusivity and ambition drive the sport forward through grassroots participation programmes, women’s cricket initiatives, digital fan engagement and strong on-field performances. The diversity of this year’s winners reflects the global momentum behind the game and the dedication of Members. 

“I would like to congratulate all of the Regional Winners and shortlisted Members on their achievements and wish them the very best ahead of the Global Awards.”

The regional winners came from 20 ICC Members, who now advance to Global Award contention.

The member boards of the UAE and Indonesia claimed four regional wins across different categories in Asia and the East Asia-Pacific, respectively. On the other hand, Brazil and Japan were also repeat winners and will each contest three Global Awards.

Established in 2002, the ICC Development Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding work undertaken by ICC Members in emerging nations to grow the game globally.

The categories cover both programmes and performances, with development programmes in countries such as Uganda and Cyprus recognised alongside social impact initiatives in Bhutan and Romania. Also recognised are female cricket campaigns in Suriname and Türkiye.

On-field success was also celebrated, with outstanding performances from Associate Member teams including Tanzania, the Bahamas, Nigeria, Italy and the UAE, earning regional honours.

Innovation in fan engagement also featured prominently, with digital initiatives from Canada, Namibia, and Oman among those recognised, while the shortlist for the ICC x Rexona criiio Cricket Festival of the Year highlighted the growing success of grassroots cricket festivals across Bahrain, Qatar, Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria and the UAE.

The Regional Winners will now move forward for consideration in the Global Awards, with the winners selected by an independent panel comprising former international players, ICC representatives, media and partner stakeholders. The Global Award winners will be announced on ICC platforms in July.

ICC Development Awards 2025 - Regional Winners / Global Nominees

ICC Development Initiative of the Year

Recognises the outstanding development initiative delivered by an Associate Member through physical participation programmes or digitally delivered game development initiatives.

Africa - Uganda Cricket Association

Americas - Cricket Canada

Asia - Emirates Cricket Board

East Asia-Pacific - Persatuan Cricket Indonesia

Europe - Cyprus Cricket Federation

ICC Female Cricket Initiative of the Year

Recognises the outstanding female cricket-focused initiative delivered by an Associate Member to promote the game.

Africa - Cricket Namibia

Americas - Surinamese Cricket Bond

Asia - Emirates Cricket Board

East Asia-Pacific - Japan Cricket Association

Europe - Türkiye Cricket Branch

ICC Associate Member Men’s Team Performance of the Year

Recognises the outstanding men’s on-field performance by an Associate Member team in ICC events or bilateral cricket.

Africa - Tanzania Cricket Association

Americas - Bahamas Cricket Association

Asia - Emirates Cricket Board

East Asia-Pacific - Persatuan Cricket Indonesia

Europe - Federazione Cricket Italiana

ICC Associate Member Women’s Team Performance of the Year

Recognises the outstanding women’s on-field performance by an Associate Member team in ICC events or bilateral cricket.

Africa - Nigeria Cricket Federation

Americas - Cricket Brasil

Asia - Emirates Cricket Board

East Asia-Pacific - Japan Cricket Association

Europe - Cricket Scotland

ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year

Recognises the innovative use of digital platforms, campaigns or technology to drive fan engagement.

Africa - Cricket Namibia

Americas - Cricket Canada

Asia - Oman Cricket

East Asia-Pacific - Japan Cricket Association

Europe - Cricket Scotland

ICC Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year

Recognises projects where cricket has been used as a vehicle for social change and wider community development.

Africa - Uganda Cricket Association

Americas - Confederação Brasileira de Cricket (Cricket Brasil)

Asia - Bhutan Cricket Council Board

East Asia-Pacific - Persatuan Cricket Indonesia

Europe - Federatia Romana de Cricket (Cricket Romania)

ICC X Rexona criiio Cricket Festival of the Year (Global Shortlist)

Bahrain Cricket Federation

Qatar Cricket Association

Emirates Cricket Board

Nigeria Cricket Federation

Persatuan Cricket Indonesia

Confederação Brasileira de Cricket (Cricket Brasil)