Nigeria Cricket Federation Bags Global ICC Award for Groundbreaking Grassroots Cricket Initiative
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has earned global recognition after winning the prestigious ICC x Rexona Criiio Cricket Festival of the Year Award, in acknowledgment of its outstanding contribution to grassroots cricket development and community empowerment.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) honoured the Federation for its innovative Criiio Cricket Festival held in Zamfara State, a programme that successfully demonstrated the power of cricket as a platform for social inclusion, youth empowerment and positive societal change.
Organised under the theme, “Breaking Barriers,” the festival introduced cricket to communities where opportunities for girls to participate in sports and education have traditionally been limited. By blending sports, cultural engagement and strong community participation, the initiative challenged longstanding stereotypes, encouraged wider participation and established a lasting foundation for the growth of women’s cricket in Northwest Nigeria.
The international recognition underscores the Nigeria Cricket Federation’s commitment to making cricket accessible to every community, irrespective of location or social background, while creating opportunities for young people—particularly girls—to develop through sport.
Commending the award recipients, ICC Chairman Jay Shah described the winners as shining examples of how cricket can transform lives and communities.
“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,” Shah said.
The award further cements Nigeria’s growing reputation as one of the world’s emerging leaders in cricket development, with the Federation continuing to champion programmes that promote education, gender inclusion and community development through the sport.
Reacting to the achievement, President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, described the honour as a collective victory for everyone committed to expanding cricket at the grassroots.
“This award is a proud moment for Nigeria Cricket and for everyone who has contributed to our grassroots development journey. The Criiio Festival in Zamfara showed what is possible when communities, partners and passionate volunteers come together with a shared vision. We dedicate this recognition to every young girl whose life has been touched by cricket and reaffirm our commitment to breaking more barriers and creating even greater opportunities across Nigeria,” he said.
The Federation expressed appreciation to the International Cricket Council, Rexona, community leaders, schools, volunteers, coaches, development officers, state cricket associations and participants whose collective efforts ensured the success of the initiative.
The global recognition is expected to further inspire the Federation’s drive to expand cricket development programmes and nurture the next generation of Nigerian cricketers.
