Emirates Cricket Board Wins Three ICC Development Awards

ECB Dominates Development Awards 2025

The Emirates Cricket Board emerged as the top honoree at the ICC Development Awards 2025, collecting three prestigious global prizes. The recognition was announced during the ICC’s Annual Conference, highlighting the board’s impact across multiple development initiatives. This haul solidifies ECB’s reputation as a leader in growing the sport at both grassroots and elite levels.

Marriott Bonvoy ICC Development Initiative of the Year

ECB claimed the Marriott Bonvoy ICC Development Initiative of the Year for its Girls U15 Academy League. The league marked the first competition of its kind in the region, opening new pathways for young female players to engage in competitive cricket. Organisers credit the programme with boosting participation and skill development among junior cricketers.

ICC Female Cricket Initiative of the Year – Shared Glory

Emirates Cricket Board also shared the ICC Female Cricket Initiative of the Year with Türkiye Cricket, marking the second consecutive year the award is split. Both entities were praised for programs that advance women’s involvement in the game. The partnership underscores a collaborative approach to empowering female cricketers across borders.

UAE‑Focused Programs Recognized

In the United Arab Emirates, the award spotlighted the Interschool criiio Gulf Cup and the ECB’s Get into Cricket – Girls Only programme. Both initiatives were launched following the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, aiming to expand girls’ cricket in schools and communities throughout the emirates. The programs have already increased female participation in multiple regions.

Türkiye Cricket’s European Women’s Cricket Week

Türkiye Cricket was honored for staging the largest ICC Women’s Cricket Week celebration in Europe during 2025. Over 3,000 girls from 20 provinces attended softball festivals, World Cup watch parties, and coaching webinars for female coaches. The event demonstrated the growing enthusiasm for women’s cricket across a wide geographic area.

Historic UAE Women’s Team Performance

Emirates Cricket Board completed its hat‑trick of awards with the ICC Associate Member Women’s Team Performance of the Year. The UAE women’s team drew a 2‑2 ODI series against Zimbabwe, their first 50‑over series after gaining ODI status, then swept a subsequent T20I series 2‑0. This marked the first series victory over a higher‑ranked Full Member nation on foreign soil.

Other Emerging Cricket Bodies Honored

In addition to the headline winners, cricket boards from Italy, Japan, Brazil, and Nigeria also received awards at the ceremony. Their recognitions reflect the worldwide expansion of cricket development programmes. The diverse list of recipients highlights the sport’s steady growth in emerging markets.

Chairman Jay Shah’s Congratulatory Remarks

ICC Chairman Jay Shah addressed the winners, saying, “These Awards were established to celebrate the extraordinary work being delivered by our Associate Members around the world, and this year’s winners are outstanding examples of how cricket can inspire participation, create opportunity, strengthen communities and deliver performances that capture global attention.” He added, “Congratulations to all the exceptional winners of the ICC Development Awards 2025. You serve as a great inspiration to the global cricket community, and these initiatives display the strength, reach and potential of the sport across every region. I am excited to see the legacy they leave and the further growth they help drive in the years to come.”