ICC launches Development Program Annual Awards 2006

Beyond cricket's traditional boundaries, in countries where it is not the number one sport, there are players, coaches, clubs and administrators working tirelessly to develop the game and make it accessible to more and more people.

In recognition of this fact, the ICC today launched its ICC Development Program Annual Awards for 2006 which mark the efforts being made outside of the Test-playing Members to improve overall standards of play and public interest in cricket.

The awards, which are supported by Kookaburra, recognise outstanding performance and service to the game among the 87 Associate and Affiliate Member Members.

Attracting interest from across the globe, the ICC Development Program Annual Awards - now in their fifth year - illustrate the growth of cricket across the world and play an important role in sharing best practice among ICC Members.

The eight categories in the awards are:

Matthew Kennedy, ICC Global Development Manager, said: "The ICC is committed to promoting excellence in cricket development and these awards play an important role in recognising the achievements of our Members.

"The expansion of the Development Program, which is funded through revenues generated from the ICC Champions Trophy, and the quality of applications generated in these Awards, are an illustration of the establishment of cricket as a global game."

Rob Elliott, Kookaburra Sport General Manager, said: "Established in 1890, it could be said that Kookaburra is as old as cricket itself. As cricket has moved forward so has Kookaburra's range of products ensuring that the quality of the equipment being used consistently matches the improving standards being set on the pitch.

"Given this history, Kookaburra is now delighted to be associated with the ICC Development Program Annual Awards and looks forward to working closely with the ICC Development Program to assist the expansion of cricket throughout the world.

"We trust the global winners will enjoy their Kookaburra cricket equipment and hope it will aid their continued development."

Nominations must first be submitted on a regional basis at which stage five regional winners will be selected in each category. These regional winners will then be progressed to be judged by an esteemed panel with details of that panel to be announced in due course.

The nomination process for entries closes on 17 December 2006, with regional award winners announced on 31 January 2007. All category winners from each region will then be nominated for the Global Awards, which will be selected by an esteemed ICC judging panel, with winners announced on 15 March 2007.