UAE women's cricketers recognised by ICC for sustained growth on and off the pitch

The UAE women’s cricket team has received international recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for its notable achievements and contributions to the sport over the past two years. The team was honored with three awards at the ICC Development Awards, highlighting its progress both on and off the field. The UAE women’s team achieved a significant milestone by qualifying for the 2026 Asia Cup last month, marking a new era for the sport in the country. This accomplishment followed the team’s attainment of One Day International (ODI) status last year, which underscored the growing strength of women’s cricket in the United Arab Emirates. Notable players such as Mahika Gaur, who later played for England, have emerged from this environment, further illustrating the depth of talent nurtured within the UAE. In addition to these milestones, the UAE women’s team secured a 2-0 victory in a T20 series against Zimbabwe, achieving their first series win over a higher-ranked full-member nation while playing away from home. This achievement demonstrated the team’s resilience and competitive spirit, contributing to their recognition by the ICC. The UAE’s accomplishments were acknowledged through multiple awards at the ICC Development Awards. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) was recognized for its Development Initiative of the Year, specifically for the Girls U15 Academy League, which has provided young players with valuable opportunities to engage in the sport. The ECB also shared the ICC Female Cricket Initiative of the Year award with Turkey Cricket, reflecting collaborative efforts in promoting women’s cricket. The UAE’s role in hosting the 2024 T20 World Cup contributed significantly to the growth of women’s cricket in the region. As a result, the ICC established a legacy fund of approximately $200,000 for the UAE, supporting various developmental initiatives in partnership with the ECB. These programs included the delivery of 15 Criiio Festivals across the UAE and the expansion of the Get into Girls Cricket program from two venues to five locations spanning different emirates. Through these coordinated efforts, five players who participated in the Get into Girls Cricket program made their debut for the UAE national team in the past two years, with around 15 additional players advancing along national team pathways. The increase in senior female participants from 315 to 1,155 and junior players from 420 to 750 underscores the remarkable growth of women’s cricket in the UAE. William Glenwright, the ICC’s general manager for development, highlighted the positive outcomes of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, noting that the legacy fund aimed to create long-term benefits beyond the event itself. He emphasized the UAE’s success as a testament to the effectiveness of combining major ICC events with targeted development programs, resulting in enhanced participation, better playing opportunities, and clear pathways for future generations of female cricketers. Glenwright also pointed out that the UAE’s progress is part of a broader global narrative, where women’s cricket is increasingly being used to generate opportunities, establish sustainable structures, and inspire the next generation. The UAE’s achievements exemplify how strategic partnerships between the ICC and local bodies can drive meaningful change and sustain growth in the sport.