The Bahrain Cricket Federation (BCF) has been recognised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and awarded the ICC Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year Award for the Asia Region.
The award recognises the significant impact that the initiatives of the BCF have had by bringing the cricketing fraternity together, adding members from schools, community clubs and women to create a vibrant community and lasting social impact on the sports scene in Bahrain.
The ICC, as the global governing body for cricket, represents 108 members. It oversees and administers the game while collaborating with its members to foster the sport’s growth. Additionally, the ICC is in charge of organising all ICC events and appointing all match officials for sanctioned international matches.
The award serves as a testament to the BCF’s unwavering commitment to leveraging the sport of cricket for positive social change within the Bahraini community.
“At the heart of this achievement lies the visionary support and encouragement of Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. His patronage has not only propelled the growth of cricket but has also fostered a sense of community and sportsmanship among us all. We are also thankful to Mohammed Shahid, adviser to the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) president Shaikh Khalid, chairman of KHK Holdings and CEO of KHK Sports, who helped bring cricket into KHK’s sports vision,” said BCF advisory board chairman Mohammad Mansoor.
The recognition also shines a spotlight on the collective efforts of the General Sports Authority, BOC, the federation’s board members, supporters, players, coaches and staff, whose dedication and passion have been the driving force behind the federation’s initiatives.
“Your enthusiasm and love for the game have propelled us forward, turning dreams into reality,” added Mansoor.
From promoting youth development programmes to fostering gender equality and social inclusion, the federation’s endeavours have culminated in this momentous achievement using cricket as a catalyst for social progress and community development.
In August last year, the 2023 ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup trophy had toured Bahrain on its way across 18 countries in five continents.
After being formally unveiled by Shaikh Khalid, the trophy was photographed at iconic locations such as the Tree of Life, Bahrain Fort and World Trade Centre.
n Meanwhile, Bahrain are taking part in the ‘Yalla Sahab T20 Series 2024’ organised by the Kuwait Cricket Council to mark Asia Cricket Week celebrated by the ICC.
The tournament started yesterday in Kuwait and continues until Sunday.
Bahrain squad: Mohammad Ismail, Waleed Mohammad, Mohammad Fayyaz, Jaber Sayed, Numan Faqir, Yousif Ur Rehman, Mohamad Junaid, Muhammad Haq, Shahi Fahim, Mohammad Khalid, Abdulla Mohamed, Hamza Mohammad, Sameer Mohamad, Shujaat Rasool, Muhammad Jasim, Wazir Ahmad, Abid Fazal and Junaid Aziz Mohd.
Kuwait SQUAD: Fahad Bastaki, Abdulrahman Al Kendari, Mahmoud Bastaki, Tariq Beidas, Abdulrahman Dashti, Ebrahim Al Dhabyan, Jassim Eissa, Mohammed Bastaki, Salman Ahmed AbdulSayed Ali, Mohammad Al Kandari, Khalifah M KH Dashti, Het Hinsu, Muhammad Aqif, Ummer Abbas, Janath Liyanage, Rudransh Panchal and Asmeet Avinash.