The inaugural criiio Day, held on 1 November, celebrates five years of international development and aims to inspire the next million people to discover cricket.

Launched in 2021, criiio is built around the principle that cricket can be played “anytime, anywhere, by anyone”, offering a free, adaptable introduction to the sport through a curriculum available in 18 languages.

Cricket changing lives across communities

The programme’s one millionth participant, 13-year-old Saidat Hamzat from Lagos State, Nigeria, represents the personal impact that grassroots sport can deliver.

Initially unfamiliar with cricket, Saidat discovered the game through a school festival and has since developed a passion for the sport.

“Cricket has given me purpose, discipline and joy; it has changed my life,” said Saidat. “It makes me happy, and now I speak up more. My friends notice me and, at school, I’m the cricket-mad girl!”

Her mother, Aisha Abeke Hamzat, has also witnessed the transformation.

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

A global programme delivering participation at scale

The programme has achieved significant international reach, with more than 400,000 participants across Africa, nearly 200,000 in Brazil and over 100,000 in Bhutan.

Importantly, criiio has achieved an equal gender balance among its one million participants.

Some 65 ICC Associate Members are delivering national programmes, while all 12 Full Members have certified criiio trainers.

In Tanzania, the programme has been adapted into the Swahili-language Chanzo Cricket initiative, supporting the government’s decision to prioritise cricket across 3,542 secondary schools.

Elsewhere, initiatives have reached migrant children in Chile, communities in Mongolia and young people in Japan.

Approximately 5,000 cricket equipment sets have also been distributed through the programme, supported by ICC logistics partner DP World.

Building towards cricket’s Olympic return

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta believes the milestone demonstrates cricket’s potential to transform communities.

“It is a truly transformative programme, demonstrating the power of ‘play’ to unite communities and change lives while keeping fun and discovery at its core.”

With cricket returning to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028, Gupta sees an opportunity to accelerate international participation.

“As cricket prepares for its return to the Olympic Games at LA28, we have a generational opportunity to introduce the sport to millions around the world.”

Demonstrating sustainability and social impact

The criiio programme illustrates how international sports federations can extend their influence beyond elite competition through grassroots participation, gender equality, education and community engagement.

Although the ICC has not yet achieved recognition on the GSS SPI Purpose Podiums, initiatives such as criiio provide evidence of its contribution to participation and social development.

The challenge for international federations is increasingly to demonstrate not only the scale of their programmes but also their measurable and lasting impact.

For the ICC, reaching one million participants represents an important milestone. The next opportunity is to demonstrate how those experiences translate into sustained participation, stronger communities and long-term social value.