ICC launches Development Program Annual Awards 2005

The International Cricket Council today launched the ICC Development Program Annual Awards for 2005 and invites applications from all 86 of its Associate and Affiliate Member countries.

This is the fourth year of an awards programme which forms a key part of the ICC's commitment to promoting excellence in cricket development.

The awards recognise outstanding performance and service to the game in Associate and Affiliate Member countries. They have attracted widespread global interest since their inception in 2002 with winners drawn from 39 different countries ranging from Argentina to Zambia.

"We have been delighted with the incredible range of applications we have received since the ICC Development Program Awards were launched in 2002," said Mr Kennedy.

"There are thousands of people around the world who give generously of their time to help spread the sport of cricket and it is always a delight to find out more about these fantastic initiatives though the nomination process."

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 progress to be judged by an esteemed global panel.

There are a total of nine awards available across a range of country and individual categories. Full details of the criteria, nomination process and an application form are available on the official ICC website.

The nomination process closes on 31 January 2006 and regional winners will be announced on 27 February 2006. The global winners will be announced on 30 March 2006.

The success of the Development Program Awards over the last three years has attracted interest from partners keen to support the development of the sport in emerging countries. This year, cricket equipment manufacturer Kookaburra will join established awards partner Flicx International in rewarding the global winners.

Kookaburra will provide cricket equipment to the winners of the following awards:

Flicx International will donate a Gemini Bowling Machine to the winner of the Junior Cricket Award.

Further details of the prizes for each award as well as the winners of last year's awards can be found on the website.

The full list of award categories is as follows:

Application forms will be distributed throughout Associate and Affiliate Member countries. For any further details of this year's awards and last year's winners check the above website or contact Kate Lindley at the ICC.