Glenwright explains why Nigeria is one of Africa’s hosts of cricket World Cup trophy

Recent developments in Nigeria’s cricket and the high growth rate of the game have compelled the International Cricket Council (ICC) to accord the country a high priority rating, ICC General Manager, Development, William Glenwright, has said.

Speaking in Lagos during the second leg of the Cricket World Cup Trophy tour of Nigeria, Glenwright said: “Nigeria is a priority member for us, a fast-growing country, and we want to learn from the cricket federation, the board, and the staff and what they are doing that is so successful, so that we can apply that elsewhere in the world for other members to be equally as successful as Nigeria.”

Pointing at Nigeria’s increasing recruitment of school age kids into the game, upward progression of both male and female national teams, facility developments and international awards it has racked up lately, Glenwright said: “This is also opportunity for us to better understand how the international community can better support Nigeria in their growth and aspirations. They are very ambitious, they have bright plans for international cricket, and also the development of the game for men and women.

“We have a role to play in supporting them on that and this week we want to see how we can further assist them.”

The World Cup trophy, which was making a second tour of Nigeria in four years, was in Abuja on Tuesday, where it was received by the Minister for Sports Development, John Eno.

At the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos on Wednesday, ICC Regional Development Manager – Africa, Patricia Kambarami, Trophy Tour Manager, Eddy Fwamba, and ICC Member Services, Rohit Poddar, were also on ground to add colour to the carnival-like Tafawa Balewa Square atmosphere.

Beaming with smiles, NCF President, Uyi Akpata, said that hosting the trophy would further strengthen the resolve of the stakeholders to drive the development agenda deeper.

“I’m super excited that this has happened. All the key stakeholders are here, and we have been recognised by ICC. You can see from the presence of the dignitaries here, that have oversight of African associate countries. From the feedback, it has been excellent, and everyone has come through for us right from yesterday (Tuesday) when the new honourable minister for sports development joined us despite just settling in office. We have shown that TBS and Lagos are the home of cricket,” he said.

The trophy departed Nigeria yesterday for South Africa, the third African country it is meant to visit (after Uganda and Nigeria).