ICC Announces ‘criiio Day’ on Nov 1 to Mark One‑Million‑Strong Grassroots Programme

ICC launches a global celebration

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has declared 1 November as the inaugural *criiio Day*. The date – 1.11 – mirrors the three “i” letters in the criiio logo, which are meant to resemble the stumps and bails of a wicket. The day is intended to showcase the reach of the ICC’s entry‑level cricket programme, criiio, which now counts one million participants worldwide.

What is criiio?

• A free, adaptable curriculum that teaches the basics of cricket.
• Available in 18 languages, allowing schools and community groups to run sessions in their native tongue.
• Built on the principle that cricket can be played *anytime, anywhere, by anyone*.
• Since its launch in 2021, the programme has distributed roughly 5,000 cricket kits and trained certified coaches in all 12 Full Member nations.

Milestone player: Saidat Hamzat

The millionth enrollee is 13‑year‑old Saidat Hamzat from Lagos State, Nigeria. Saidat first encountered cricket when a criiio festival visited her school. She told the ICC:

“Cricket has given me purpose, discipline and joy; it has changed my life.”

Her mother added:

“We see a happier daughter now, and that came from criiio. One day I hope to see her in a Nigeria jersey.”

Global footprint

• Africa leads with over 400,000 participants.
• Brazil is the top single‑nation contributor with close to 200,000 players.
• Bhutan, Argentina, and Japan also report rapid growth, with local adaptations such as Tanzania’s Swahili‑language *Chanzo Cricket* programme now mandated in all 3,542 secondary schools.
• The gender split among participants is roughly 50:50, a direct result of the programme’s inclusive design.

Why the timing matters

The ICC is positioning criiio as a feeder into its elite pathways, especially as cricket prepares for a return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028. By expanding the base, the council hopes to generate a new generation of talent that can compete at the highest levels.

How to join the celebration

Member boards are encouraged to share local stories on social media using #criiioDay. The ICC will run a digital campaign throughout 1 November, highlighting festivals, coach testimonies, and player journeys.

Verifying the announcement

The official press release is hosted on the ICC website (https://www.icc‑cricket.com/news/icc‑launches‑criiio‑day‑celebrating‑one‑million‑players‑enrolled) Media outlets can cross‑check the figures and quotes there.

Practical implications for schools and clubs

• Curriculum download – free PDFs are available in the 18 supported languages.
• Equipment kits – schools can request a kit through their national cricket board.
• Coach certification – local volunteers can apply for the short‑course trainer badge.
• Community outreach – the programme’s flexible format works on schoolyards, parks, and even indoor courts (e.g., Tokyo Skytree padel courts).

*“criiio demonstrates the power of play to unite communities and change lives while keeping fun at its core,”* said ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta.

--- *The article is based solely on the ICC’s own announcement and publicly available statements. No additional speculation or unverified data has been added.*