ICC provides associate status to three new nations

On Tuesday (26 July), the International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded associate membership status to Cambodia, Uzbekistan, and Cote D'Ivoire. It all transpired in the ongoing ICC Annual Conference in Birmingham.


The addition of nations like Cambodia and Uzbekistan have taken the total members of Asian teams to 25. On the other hand, Cote D'Ivoire has become the 21st country in Africa to receive prestigious membership. 


Cambodia


The Cricket Association of Cambodia (CAC) was established in 2011 and joined Asian Cricket Council (ACC) the following year. 


Cambodia Board XI last played against Myanmar Board XI in January 2020. Cambodia was clinical enough to secure a clean sweep in the 50-over and 20-over series, to everyone's surprise. 


However, CAC's membership is subject to them placing a proper pathway for the women's cricket team by the end of 2022. 


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Uzbekistan


The sport undoubtedly influences Uzbekistan due to its close proximity to Afghanistan, which is a cricket-loving nation. Although the British High Commission has hosted matches since 1997, the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan was established in 2019


Uzbekistan's women's cricket team already has 15 teams playing in different competitions. Furthermore, the board has placed pathway programmes for the U-17 and U-19 groups. 


Currently, the first cricket stadium in the country is under construction in Tashkent.


Côte d'Ivoire 



The French-speaking country has made rapid strides in terms of progress in the game in the last seven years. 


Côte d'Ivoire Cricket Federation possesses a strong grassroots programme and organizes national senior leagues. In addition, the players and coaches often travel to other parts of Africa to enhance their skills. 


Furthermore, their emphasis also lies on women's cricket, with the induction of a female member on the board. 


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