Global spotlight on growth: ICC announces 2025 Development Award winners

The ICC has announced the global winners of the 2025 Development Awards, recognising outstanding programmes that strengthen cricket’s reach and impact across Associate Member nations. The Emirates Cricket Board led all honourees with three awards, including the Marriott Bonvoy Development Initiative of the Year for its Girls U15 Academy League and a shared Female Cricket Initiative award alongside Türkiye. UAE also claimed the Women’s Team Performance of the Year after historic ODI and T20I results against Zimbabwe. Italy earned the men’s equivalent for their breakthrough qualification to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Japan won Digital Fan Engagement of the Year for a creative campaign linking physical visibility with major online growth. Brazil received the Social Impact award for supporting young women’s university access, while Nigeria was honoured for its criiio Cricket Festival promoting inclusion in Zamfara State. Together, the winners highlight cricket’s expanding global footprint and transformative community influence.