TCA clinches Global ICC Grassroots Development Award
THE Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) has earned global recognition after being named the winner of the prestigious International Cricket Council (ICC) Grassroots Cricket Development Award 2024.
That followed its impactful Criiio Cricket Festivals initiative held at the Dar es Salaam last year. TCA Chairman Balakrishnan Sreekumar shared the milestone with pride, in the city on Sunday.
“We are happy to inform you that the Tanzania Cricket Association has won the global award for grassroots cricket development through our Criiio Festivals. “The award will be officially presented at the ICC International Conference this July,” he said.
In a congratulatory letter addressed to the TCA, the ICC noted: “Dear Sreekumar and TCA team, following an extensive voting process by an independent jury comprising administrators , former players, media and development professionals, we are pleased to announce that the TCA is the winner of the ICC Criiio Cricket Festival of the Year with Rexona.
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” The award honours an outstanding festival delivered by an ICC Associate Member that has significantly promoted the game and increased grassroots participation, particularly in women’s cricket, within their country.
The ICC added: “Congratulations to everyone at the TCA for the tremendous effort in growing the game in Tanzania. At the ICC, we are immensely proud of your achievements and look forward to continued collaboration.” As part of the next steps, ICC official Amna Rafiq is expected to coordinate publicity and video production to help amplify this achievement on global platforms. The award-winning Criiio Cricket Festival was successfully organised in Dar es Salaam.
The event featured high-profile guests, including ICC Women’s Cricket Officer Amna Rafiq and ICC Africa Regional Manager Justin Ligyalingi.
The festival featured three phases beginning with schoolgirls, followed by university students and concluding with community women. Over 20 teams participated in each category, creating a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere that showcased cricket’s growing appeal among women and girls in Tanzania.
This latest achievement adds to the TCA’s growing list of accolades as it continues to inspire and empower communities through cricket development programmes.
