Bhutan Cricket Council Board’s CEO, Damber S. Gurung, expressed immense pride and humility as Bhutan was named the co-winner of the ICC Female Cricket Initiative of the Year at the ICC Development Awards 2024. The award recognizes the Board’s “Inter-School Girls’ Competition,” a structured initiative designed to boost female participation in cricket across Bhutan.
Bhutan was recognized for its Inter-School Girls’ Competition, while Vanuatu was honored for its “Picking Wickets” programme, which is a hybrid model of remote and in-person coaching combined with seasonal work for players. This was the first time the award was shared between two winners
In 2024, a total of 3,765 girls participated in the program in Bhutan. The number of tournaments has expanded from 14 existing ones to 44 across the region.
According to Gurung, this honor validates the dedication and hard work of coaches, volunteers, players, and supporters who have tirelessly promoted inclusivity through cricket.
He highlighted that the initiative creates a “pathway that begins at the grassroots—whether through school-based tennis ball activities, intra-school competitions, or structured coaching programs—and leads all the way to the national team.”
He emphasized that this recognition motivates the Board to “reach the unreached, to inspire the next generation of female cricketers, and to make cricket a game for all in Bhutan”.
In particular, he stressed that with ongoing dedication, infrastructure improvements, and high-performance programs now under way, Bhutanese women’s cricket will grow significantly in skill, engagement, and competitive success by 2030.
Gurung conveyed heartfelt thanks to coaches, volunteers, players, and supporters who collaboratively foster this rapid growth phase and transformational journey for women’s cricket in Bhutan.
Yeshey Choden, Captain of the Bhutan Women’s Cricket team, said, “Cricket is a great way to bring leadership and confidence to girls. It also teaches them to make decisions, work together as a team, and helps them realize their potential.”
Damber S. Gurung, CEO of Bhutan Cricket Council Board, also expressed a strong long-term vision for Bhutan cricket, aiming for the national team to participate in ICC international tournaments, including the World Cup. He acknowledges that while this goal may seem ambitious, it is achievable.
Sonam Choden, another player from the Bhutan Women’s cricket team, expressed, “To all the young girls chasing their cricket dreams, believe in yourself and never let anyone tell you that this game isn’t for you.”
Gurung concluded by saying, “In five years, cricket will become the most loved sport amongst girls in Bhutan. Well-structured and girls’ programs will thrive in schools across the country.”
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