Nigeria Nominated for ICC Development Awards

The Nigeria Cricket Federation is nominated for two awards at the 2025 ICC Development Awards. These awards will be announced in July. Nigeria is the regional winner in Africa, as reported by The PUNCH.

On Friday, the ICC revealed the 30 regional winners for the 2025 ICC Development Awards. Nigeria leads Africa in two of the seven categories.

Nigeria’s first win is in the ICC Associate Member Women’s Team Performance of the Year category. This award recognizes a women’s team from an Associate Member nation that performed well in an ICC event or bilateral series.

Last year, Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens made a mark at the ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia. They finished sixth, helping Nigeria to become Africa’s regional winner in this category. They will now compete against Brazil, the UAE, Japan, and Scotland for the global award.

Second Nomination

The second nomination for the NCF is in the ICC Criiio Cricket Festivals with Rexona category. This award honors an outstanding festival organized by an ICC Associate Member.

As part of the ICC Criiio Cricket Festival program, Nigeria held cricket introduction festivals in various cities in 2025. They will now compete with Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Indonesia, and Brazil for the global prize.

The ICC Development Awards started in 2002. They recognize and celebrate the efforts of ICC Members in growing the game in emerging nations.

A statement obtained by our correspondent from the ICC says the global winners will be chosen by an independent panel. This panel includes two-time ICC Men’s T20 World Cup winner Samuel Badree, former Ireland international Kevin O’Brien, and former Zimbabwe international Mary-Anne Musonda.

The rest of the 12-member panel includes representatives from ICC partners, ICC Full Members, and the media. The global winners will be announced on ICC channels in July.

ICC chairman Jay Shah said, "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 programs, 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."