Cricket España received notification recently from the ICC (International Cricket Council) that their “No Boundaries” program had won the European Region Cricket female initiative of the year award for 2024.

Cricket España created the "No Boundaries" programme to give equal opportunities for women and at the same time use the game as a tool for social integration and expand cultural diversity among its members. The league brought together players in a non-prejudiced, multi-cultural environment, allowing them the freedom and respect to participate in the sport without constraints.

Six clubs named after cities in Spain converged on Barcelona for four weekends to compete for the prize of the National Women Champions of Spain. Each team comprised of players of all standards with inclusion for women who wanted to play the sport a core reason for introducing the strategy.

Throughout the course of the tournament individuals from different social and sporting backgrounds grew in confidence, and the event created a feeling of belonging that has culminated in lasting friendships among the players involved.

Cricket España also found a new pool of talent, some of whom have already gone on toplay for Spain. We now also boast one of the few all female coaching and management staff at international level.

One of the players Payal Chilonga, who was born in India but has lived in the country for more than six years said of the "NoBoundaries" experience -

 " I believe that No Boundaries has allowed many women to showcase their skills. During the league matches I had the opportunity to share my experience with coaches from different teams, which helped me improve my skills. The most important thing is that the league offers equal opportunities to all players, and through this, we can continue to develop the sport and empower more women to participate"

‍

 No Boundaries will continue to support all women and girls and expand to schools and the grass roots level to allow social inclusion for all. Cricket España will now be put forward for a global award along withSierra Leone, Brazil, Bhutan and Vanuatu from the other respective ICC regions across the world.

‍