Uganda crowned ICC Global Development award winner

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has today announced Uganda among the global winners of the ICC Development Awards for 2020, which showcase the outstanding work undertaken by Members to grow cricket in emerging markets in partnership with the ICC.

Argentina, Brazil, Uganda and Vanuatu have been unveiled as the global winners after their outstanding contribution to the sport through four exceptional programmes in 2020. The winners were identified by a global independent panel consisting of 12 leaders including ICC Full Member Chief Executives, current and former international players, media representatives and other members of the cricket family.

The Uganda Cricket Association has won the Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year for supporting hundreds of their players, volunteers and their families through a COVID-19 relief programme. By November 2020, 1500 people had benefitted by the relief which had reached players, coaches, umpires and school teachers in the form of food, soap, financial aid, psychological support and an invite for people to take part in online courses on financial literacy.

Bashir Badu Ansasiira, Uganda Cricket Association Chairman said: “When we were hit by the pandemic we used the opportunity to give back to the people that have enabled us to spread the game. This includes teachers within the rural schools, groundsmen, national team players and the cricket communities and we are very proud to receive this award.”

Wasim Khan, Pakistan Cricket Board CEO representative on the voting panel said: “The excellent Covid relief programme once again shows cricket as a socially responsible sport.  UCA has led the way in a country that experiences hardships and financial challenges through their relief program. The goodwill and proactive approach will only further support UCAs efforts to raise the profile of the game in its country.”      

ICC General Manager – Development, William Glenwright said: “The 2020 ICC Development Awards have showcased some incredible projects delivered by the Members during an extremely challenging year, with 20 regional winners already celebrated earlier this month.

“Argentina, Brazil, Uganda and Vanuatu have now been chosen as the global winners for 2020 by a panel of cricket’s global leaders. We celebrate four inspiring stories that have made a difference to people and local communities during a pandemic, getting more women and girls into the sport and taking the excitement and competitive nature of Associate cricket to a global audience.

“We are committed in partnership with the Members to build on the momentum achieved over the past 12 months and continue to get more people engaged with the sport and make a difference to the lives of those who enjoy cricket. These rewards are a celebration not only of the global and regional winners but of the work of all our Members who continue to work so hard to bring the joy of cricket to the world during the pandemic”

The global winners have been chosen by a global independent panel of selected ICC Full Member Chief Executives, current and former international players, industry experts, media representatives and other Members of the cricket family.