Italy, After Defeating Nepal, Receives ICC Award for Outstanding Performance
Summary
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- Italy has qualified for the T20 World Cup for the first time and received the ICC’s 2025 ‘Associate Men’s Team Outstanding Performance’ award.
- Italy achieved a historic feat by defeating Scotland in the decisive World Cup qualifier match, according to the ICC.
- ICC President Jay Shah noted that winning teams and organizations serve as an inspiration to the global cricket community.
June 28, Kathmandu – Italy, which qualified for the T20 World Cup for the first time, has been honored with the 2025 Outstanding Associate Men’s Team Performance Award by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The ICC announced at its annual conference that Italy would receive the ‘Associate Member Men’s Team of the Year Outstanding Performance’ award as part of the ICC Development Awards 2025.
According to the ICC, Italy earned this award for its historic achievement of qualifying for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
At the European qualifiers held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Scotland and the Netherlands were considered the primary contenders for the World Cup spots. However, Italy upset all expectations by defeating Scotland in the crucial match to secure their first-ever T20 World Cup qualification.
Italy also delivered an impressive performance during the World Cup itself. Their victory over Nepal in the group stage created a sensation and drew the attention of the global cricket community, especially as it was Italy’s debut appearance at a World Cup.
The ICC has recognized Italy’s historic World Cup qualification in associate cricket as the best men’s team performance of 2025.
ICC President Jay Shah highlighted the significant contributions of associate members to the development, participation, and performance of cricket worldwide. He further stated that winning teams and organizations serve as a source of inspiration for the global cricket community.
The ICC Development Awards honored winners across seven categories:
Best Development Initiative of the Year: Emirates Cricket Board
Best Women’s Cricket Initiative: Emirates Cricket Board and Turkey Cricket
Best Associate Women’s Team Performance of the Year: Emirates Cricket Board
Best Associate Men’s Team Performance of the Year: Italian Cricket Federation
Best Digital Engagement of the Year: Japan Cricket Association
Cricket for Good Social Impact Initiative: Brazil Cricket Federation
Best Creole Cricket Festival of the Year: Nigeria Cricket Federation