Dubai: The UAE women’s cricket team received a significant boost before the ACC Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, winning the ICC Associate Member Women’s Performance of the Year award. This honor follows their unbeaten streak in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Asia Qualifier held in Malaysia last year.
Celebrating the Win
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the winners of the ICC Development Awards 2023 on Wednesday. The ICC recognized six emerging nations, including the UAE, for their outstanding performances and innovative initiatives. The ICC also honored countries such as Mexico, Oman, the Netherlands, Nepal, and Scotland alongside the UAE. These awards, launched in 2002, highlight the efforts of ICC Associate Member countries to promote cricket globally.
WINNER!
— UAE Cricket Official (@EmiratesCricket) July 17, 2024
The Emirates Cricket Board bags the ICC Associate Member Women's Performance of the Year award?
More details ?? https://t.co/j5bggxfDAG
William Glenwright, ICC General Manager – Development, commented, “The ICC Development Awards celebrate the groundbreaking work by ICC Members to grow cricket in emerging nations. Each year, we see inspiring stories of passion and innovation, and this year is no different.”
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A Proud Moment for UAE Cricket
Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board, expressed his pride. “Winning the ICC Associate Member Women’s Performance of the Year award is a proud moment for UAE cricket. We have focused on promoting and developing women’s cricket, and it’s rewarding to see those efforts pay off.”
Asia Cup bound ?? #believe ?? ? @EmiratesCricket @ACCMedia1 pic.twitter.com/916AieSKD1
— Ahmed Raza (@ahmedrazauae) February 19, 2024
Usmani highlighted the team’s success during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Malaysia. “Our team remained unbeaten throughout the event, thanks to the hard work and training at our facilities. Captain Esha Oza led the team exceptionally well.”
He added, “We are pleased with our team’s progress as they continue to rise in rankings. Their performance in the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Abu Dhabi, where they fought against Sri Lanka in the semi-final, shows their potential. The Emirates Cricket Board will keep investing in women’s cricket development.”
Unbeaten Run in Kuala Lumpur
The UAE women’s cricket team dominated the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Kuala Lumpur. They secured victories over Malaysia, Qatar, and Bahrain before defeating Hong Kong in the semi-finals. In the final against Thailand, they won by six runs, with Kavisha Egodage playing a key role.
Their impressive run continued in the global qualifier, where they reached the semi-finals before narrowly losing to Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi.
Preparing for the Asia Cup
Head coach Ahmed Raza, former UAE men’s team captain, noted the team’s growth. “The success is a result of the Emirates Cricket Board’s hard work. The women’s team trains at world-class facilities alongside the men’s team. The ECB’s support and development programs have been crucial in nurturing young talent.”
Raza is confident about the team’s readiness for the Asia Cup. “In the last 12 months, we have achieved a lot and raised our standards. We had a six-week camp in Dubai under challenging conditions, and the players trained hard. We are ready for the Asia Cup and aim to reach the semi-finals, drawing on our experience from two years ago.”
Recognizing Global Achievements
The ICC Development Awards 2023 also celebrated other nations:
- Mexico received the ICC Development Initiative of the Year for their pioneering projects, including sending a team to the Street Child Cricket World Cup in India.
- Oman was honored with the 100 per cent Cricket Female Cricket Initiative of the Year for their Cricket4Her program.
- The Netherlands earned the ICC Associate Member Men’s Performance of the Year for their efforts in qualifying and competing at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India.
- Nepal was recognized for the ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year following substantial growth on their social channels.
- Scotland was awarded the Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year.
The UAE women’s cricket team’s award is a testament to their hard work and the Emirates Cricket Board’s support. As they prepare for the ACC Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup, this recognition motivates them to continue their impressive journey.
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