ICC awards USD 1.5m to Scotland and Netherlands

The ICC has awarded Cricket Scotland and Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Bond (KNCB) each with USD 1.5 million over the next three years under its Targeted Assistance and Performance Programme (TAPP) agreement.

The two boards have become the second and third Members of the ICC, respectively, to finalise the argeement, which is aimed at developing more competitive teams at the higher levels of international cricket.

The USD 1.5 million award will be provided through to 2015, and will be used to help Cricket Scotland with a number of initiatives aimed at continuing the substantial development work being carried out throughout Scotland, which has seen both the profile of the sport grow significantly.

Cricket Scotland Chief Executive Officer Roddy Smith said: "We are thrilled to be signing a TAPP agreement with the ICC, and are extremely grateful for this enhanced support to improve our internal domestic structures and to have more international fixtures, all geared to making us competitive on the world stage."

In the Netherlands, the USD 1.5 million award will be used to help KNCB facilitate increased international fixtures; increase domestic cricket; provide pathway support for talented youth; and provide greater support to players, programmes and events.

KNCB CEO Richard Cox said: "KNCB is extremely grateful to the ICC for this award, which will help us achieve our medium and long term objectives and help the Netherlands become even more competitive - from the domestic level with the new Regional domestic playing structure through to the international arena. It is a real boost for everyone involved."

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson added: "Both Cricket Scotland and KNCB provided excellent submissions to the ICC Board, and I have no doubt that both Boards will do their very best to deliver those plans to continue the enhancement of competitiveness at the higher levels of cricket."