Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus Cricket has been officially recognized by the International Cricket Council as Europe’s leading nation in cricket development after a series of training, education and grassroots initiatives across the island.
Development recognition
The recognition follows several initiatives led by the Cyprus Cricket Federation, including hosting the ICC Coach Level 2 Course for the European cohort, delivering a Technical Course backed by Olympic Solidarity funding, and carrying out teacher training programmes.
The federation also staged the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifiers, in a move that highlighted its efforts to raise the profile of cricket locally and support the sport’s long-term growth across the island.
Grassroots strategy
With a population of about 1 million, Cyprus has moved from the fringes of international cricket to a leading position in grassroots development, according to the announcement of the ICC Regional Award winners.
The Cyprus Cricket Federation adopted a strategy centred on introducing cricket into primary school education and making the sport accessible to children from all backgrounds.
Participation and reach
According to the federation, the initiative has extended beyond teaching the sport and has helped change perceptions of cricket across the country by bringing it from classrooms to playing fields and into communities nationwide.
Among its achievements, the federation recorded a 50-50 gender participation split in delivering the ICC criiio programme. The programme has also introduced cricket to about 40% of Cyprus’ primary school network.