Bermuda Cricket Receives Prestigious Award at ICC Conference

Dubai, UAE – April 2025:
In a moment of pride for the island nation, Bermuda Cricket has been honored with a prestigious award at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Annual Conference held in Dubai. The recognition comes as a testament to Bermuda’s unwavering commitment to the development of cricket at the grassroots level and its outstanding achievements in promoting the sport across the island.

The ICC Development Award, presented during the gala event on the final day of the conference, celebrated Bermuda’s innovation in community outreach, youth development, and consistent performance improvement within Associate cricket. Representatives from Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB), including President Arnold Manders and Development Officer Cal Blankendal, were present to receive the accolade.

A Milestone Achievement

The award recognizes Bermuda’s focused strategy over the past three years to strengthen cricket’s infrastructure and engage the youth. From launching the national Cricket Academy to organizing female-focused cricket camps and school partnerships, the BCB’s initiatives have led to a sharp increase in participation and visibility of the sport throughout the island.

“This award belongs to every coach, volunteer, parent, and young cricketer who believed in the future of Bermuda cricket,” said BCB President Arnold Manders during his acceptance speech. “We’re a small nation with a big passion for cricket, and this recognition by the ICC reinforces that we are on the right path.”

Bermuda’s cricket development programs have especially gained momentum since the COVID-19 pandemic, where the BCB pivoted effectively toward digital coaching sessions and safe community engagement models. These efforts ensured the game stayed alive and accessible, even during lockdowns and restricted play periods.

Highlights of the Development Program

The ICC highlighted several key aspects of Bermuda’s cricket progress that led to the award:

• Youth Engagement: The introduction of the Junior Elite Cricket Academy has seen a record number of under-15 players receive structured coaching, mentoring, and opportunities to play internationally.
• Women’s Cricket: In 2024, Bermuda hosted its first-ever national women’s league, drawing participation from across the island and setting the foundation for a future national team.
• School Partnerships: The BCB collaborated with the Ministry of Education to introduce cricket into physical education curricula at 15 public and private schools. This program reached over 3,000 students in 2024 alone.
• Coach Education and Volunteer Training: With support from the ICC, Bermuda certified 60 new coaches and 100 volunteers through workshops, ensuring a more robust and skilled support system for youth players.
• International Exposure: Bermuda’s U19 team qualified for the ICC Americas Regional Qualifier, a major milestone signaling the growing competitive strength of the island’s talent pool.

Global Recognition for Local Impact

Geoff Allardice, CEO of the ICC, commended Bermuda for its exemplary role in Associate member development.

“Bermuda has shown what can be achieved through strategic planning, local engagement, and community passion,” Allardice said. “The ICC is proud to support their journey, and we hope their story will inspire other nations striving to grow the game from the ground up.”

This award positions Bermuda as a leader among Associate cricketing nations, joining past recipients such as Namibia, Scotland, and Nepal, who have all made significant strides in growing the game in challenging environments.

Looking Ahead

With the international spotlight now on them, the Bermuda Cricket Board is aiming even higher. Plans are underway to develop a national high-performance center and establish long-term sponsorships to sustain their momentum. Talks with Cricket West Indies and other regional bodies are also in progress to provide more competitive opportunities for Bermuda’s players at various levels.

“This is not the end—it’s a new beginning,” said Development Officer Cal Blankendal. “We’ve built a foundation, and now it’s time to dream bigger. Bermuda can become a consistent cricketing force in the Americas region.”

The ICC Annual Conference not only celebrated Bermuda’s achievements but also emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in expanding cricket’s global footprint. As Associate nations continue to play a vital role in the sport’s future, stories like Bermuda’s underscore the impact that dedicated local efforts can have on the world stage.

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