The ICC’s Future Leaders Programme, aimed at grooming emerging cricket administrators, launched its 2024 edition with a comprehensive workshop held in Dubai from October 20. A key focus of this workshop is fostering female leadership within the sport, and this year’s cohort features 15 mentees from various cricket bodies, including Cricket PNG. Among the chosen participants is Henao Samuel, Participation Programs Manager at Cricket PNG. Paired with Claire Kelly, Managing Director of Gemba Europe, Samuel’s participation underscores Cricket PNG’s role in advancing leadership and inclusivity in cricket throughout the Pacific region. The ICC's 100% Cricket Future Leaders Programme, now in its fourth edition, addresses the cricket industry’s pressing need for female leaders and strives to create pathways for administrators to reach senior roles, according to a statement from International Cricket Competition (ICC) sent to PNG HAUSBUNG from Cricket PNG. The statement explains that over a ten-month journey, mentees will gain crucial insights and training from mentors drawn from diverse sporting backgrounds. Former Australia captain and ICC Hall of Famer, Clark, said: “This is an exciting time for the game. The transformation of cricket on the field has been amazing and inspires us to work towards accelerating progress off the field. This program is designed to support that change.” ICC Manager – Women’s Cricket, Snehal Pradhan, added: “The Future Leaders Programme for administrators is one of the ICC’s most powerful interventions to impact a business problem the cricket ecosystem has, of not having enough female leaders. The mentee-mentor pairings span numerous countries and cricket associations, creating a global network of support. Each mentee, including Samuel from Cricket PNG, will benefit from hands-on guidance through direct mentorship, aligning with ICC’s objective to develop capable administrators ready to lead future cricket initiatives worldwide. Samuel, representing the ICC's Pacific members, will be among participants from notable bodies such as Cricket Australia, Surrey County Cricket Club, and Cricket South Africa. In addition to fostering female leadership, ICC and Emirates will collaborate on community-oriented projects through the 100% Cricket programme, aiming to empower women and young girls across different communities. The workshop held in Dubai marked the start of this extensive program, where mentees and mentors assembled for introductory sessions, training, and planning for the months ahead. The program has quickly evolved since its 2021 launch, becoming a vital part of the ICC’s commitment to cultivating diverse and skilled leadership. With guidance from industry experts, Cricket PNG’s Henao Samuel and her fellow mentees will engage in a transformative learning experience, equipping them with the tools to make a significant impact in cricket administration.