Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, January 7

CAN President Jai Kumar Nath Shah and the Cricket Association of Nepal have won the International Cricket Council (ICC) Development Programme Annual Awards 2003.

Shah won the Lifetime Service Award, while his association got the award under the Best Cricket Promotional Programme, said CAN in a press release here on Wednesday.

The awards were announced on Tuesday in London. The award winners spread out over 20 cricket playing nations across the globe, stretching from Mozambique to Thailand and to Cayman Islands, added the release.

Other winners from Asia included Dr Vace Paes of India under the category of Best Overall Cricket Development Programme, Chiang Mai School of Thailand under the Best Junior Cricket Development Initiative and Bukit Sports School of Malaysia won the award under Fhex Community Development Award section.

The winners were selected by five regional head offices, and have now been forwarded for consideration for the Global Awards in their relevant categories, which will be announced on February 2.

Each of the five regional award winners will receive an International Cricket Council plaque, certificate and an appreciation letter from ICC chief executive, while the global winners will get an ICC Trophy each.

The Development Annual Awards promote excellence in cricket development and recognise exceptional performance and service to the sport in the ICC associate and affiliate member countries.

Nominees in 2003 came from a range of level, country, club, association, team, school and individuals highlighting the positive impact cricket is making on the lives of players and culturally diverse communities, said CAN release.