Uzbekistan has officially become a full member of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), a major milestone in the country’s fast-moving cricket development and a significant moment for Central Asian cricket as a whole. The announcement came during the recent ACC conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan (CFU) Chairman Aziz Mihliev represented the nation.
This development follows Uzbekistan’s entry into the International Cricket Council (ICC) as an Associate Member in 2022 and is seen as a critical step in linking the country to broader Asian and global cricketing structures.
“A historic step” for Uzbekistan cricket
“Becoming part of the Asian Cricket Council is a historic step for Uzbekistan. It connects us with the wider Asian cricket community and strengthens our ability to grow the sport locally,” said Mihliev at the conference.
Uzbekistan’s ACC membership will now enable the nation to participate in ACC tournaments and development programs, accelerating its cricketing ambitions and international visibility.
Cricket takes root across Uzbekistan
Since the formation of the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan in 2019, the country has made rapid progress in laying the groundwork for sustainable cricket growth. Cricket is now part of the curriculum in 253 specialized sports schools across all 14 regions of Uzbekistan, thanks to localized translations of ICC training content.
Over 4,000 players are now actively participating in training programs and domestic matches in cities like Tashkent, Surkhandaryo, and Samarkand.
Grassroots programs and infrastructure expansion
Uzbekistan’s cricket strategy has focused on building a strong foundation through youth engagement, coach training, and investment in infrastructure. Training centers in Tashkent, Chirchik, and Samarkand are operational, forming the core of the country’s player development pipeline.
“With the support of the ICC and ACC, we are committed to developing grassroots cricket, training local coaches, and providing more opportunities for young Uzbeks to experience this global sport,” the CFU noted.
Recognition at the international level
Uzbekistan’s inclusion in the ACC was celebrated with a flag-raising ceremony in Dhaka, symbolizing its formal welcome into the Asian cricketing family. The membership grants Uzbekistan the right to compete in ACC-sanctioned events and work alongside established cricketing nations in the region.
This move enhances opportunities for regional collaboration, funding, and technical support, offering a more direct pathway for Uzbekistan to establish a competitive national cricket team.
State support driving the vision
The Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan has credited the country’s progress to strong support from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and other national bodies. Their commitment to promoting Olympic values and sports development has provided both legitimacy and resources for the growth of cricket in Uzbekistan.
With ACC membership secured and institutional backing in place, Uzbekistan now enters a new phase—one where it can not only dream of international cricket but actively pursue it through participation, training, and high-level competition.
