cricket+Scotland'>Cricket Scotland has been awarded US$5,000 (£3,421, €4,407) of International Cricket Council (ICC) funding after winning an award for its development programme.

The governing body won the Best Overall Cricket Development Programme Award in the ICC Development Programme Annual Awards 2015 due to a number of schemes which have stimulated participation.

Programmes such as ‘Thriving Clubs’, which provides expert support for grassroots cricket clubs, and ‘Cricket Force’ – an initiative launches in conjunction with Jewsons which helps to improve local community facilities – were cited the main factors behind the award win.

The fund will be distributed to Cricket Scotland in the form of a cricket equipment grant.

Ian Sandbrook, Cricket Scotland head of participation, said the award was “great recognition for our clubs, schools, coaches, volunteers and staff”.

“These awards are very important in identifying individuals and programmes which are helping the game of cricket grown in emerging nations,” added ICC head of global development Tim Anderson.