The ICC Annual Conference 2023 was an unforgettable experience, reflecting the essence of Madiba’s words, “Sport has the power to unite.

Over 100 member countries of the ICC gathered to inspire future generations and advance cricket. I witnessed diverse challenges and unique approaches from different corners of the world, all working towards making the game accessible to every child.

As the moderator, I had the privilege of hosting insightful discussions with brilliant minds:

👉 Connecting Cricket with Kids:

A true highlight was the dynamic panel discussion on connecting cricket with kids, featuring Jelena Stosic, Lucy Amos, and Uyi Akpata. We explored innovative ways to engage and inspire the next generation of cricket enthusiasts. Together, we discovered the power of collaborations and partnerships, the importance of embracing innovation, and revitalizing youth engagement.

Lerai Rakoditsoe’s keynote address provided key strategies on effectively communicating with Gen Z and Gen Alpha, shedding light on how cricket can resonate with these generations.

👉 Investment in Women’s Cricket:

The investment in women’s cricket session was a success, with three key strategies highlighted to advance women in cricket. 🏏💪 Participants chose between investing in participation, junior teams, or senior teams, each with diverse approaches leading to healthy success.

👉 Modified Sport Debate:

The thought-provoking debate explored whether elite-level success is necessary for the popularity of modified sports among youth. Both sides presented compelling cases, and the audience voted that modified sports play a vital role in youth development, regardless of elite-level success.

🎉 Celebrating 50 Years of Cricket World Cups:

The ICC Members Dinner celebrated 50 years of Cricket World Cups! Legends like Sir Vivian Richards, Karen Smithies, and Jacques Kallis shared touching stories, reflecting on the indelible impact of World Cups on cricket’s legacy. We look forward to the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup in India and the prospect of hosting a Men’s World Cup again in 2027.

After ICC Annual Conference 2023, I am inspired to do more! The power of cricket to connect with kids and foster unity is profound. Together with the ICC, we can create opportunities, inspire change, and empower the future generation through the beautiful game we all love.