This event is to enable Associate Members to leverage the biggest event in women’s cricket to drive their local women’s cricket objectives. Expand the global footprint, awareness, and impact of ICC women’s event beyond the host country.
Associate members may celebrate in their home country between 16th and 22nd October, overlapping with the World Cup matches in India within the stipulated timeframe. AMs may choose from three activities for their celebrations:
- Watch Parties
- Female Teacher Training/Coach Education
- Women’s Participation Events
Our planned activities fall in place with women’s participation events titled ‘Mental Health and Anti-Doping/Anti-Corruption Seminar and Coaching Clinic for Female Players and Girls in Cricket.’
18th of October, The Seminar and Coaching Clinic which will be a half day event, will be held at the Achimota Cricket Oval and is scheduled for the 18th October, 2025. It will start at 9am, closing at 2pm. It is expected that 30 – 40 female players will participate in the seminar and about 50 female students from the Achimota Senior High School will undergo the Coaching Clinic, which will commence after the seminar.
Overview of the Seminar:
In sports generally and cricket in particular, a significant toll is placed on female cricketers due to pressures of anti-doping policies. Associated challenges sometimes arise, which may be negative, resulting in mental health issues. Some of these noticeable short-term mental health issues are in the form of anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Other challenges include physical health consequences like hormonal disorders. In the longer term, organ damage may result as well as social stigma.
These challenges, if not addressed in a timely manner, further lead to character changes in players, finally resulting in image and reputational damage, shaming, social isolation, and full-blown mental cases, which incapacitate the individual and the mental psyche of a whole playing team and its performance during games.
Details of the Mental Health Impacts Stress and Anxiety:The constant threat of testing, the complexity of anti-doping regulations, and the fear of accidental violations can create high levels of stress and anxiety for players. Depression and Mood Swings: Both the act of doping and its consequences can contribute to depression and erratic mood changes. Overall Well-being: The pressure associated with anti-doping can distract from the positive mental health benefits of sports, such as improved mood and reduced anxiety.
Physical Health Impacts Doping-Related Health Risks:Players who use doping substances face serious health risks, including hormonal disorders, liver damage, and heart conditions. Substance Abuse: The pressure to perform can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms or substance abuse, further jeopardizing a player’s long-term health.
Social and Reputational Impacts Stigma and Social Exclusion: Players caught doping face severe public stigma, often being labelled as cheats, which can damage their professional and personal relationships. Loss of Trust: A doping conviction can damage a player’s reputation, making people hesitant to be associated with them.
Impact on Cricket Erosion of Fair Play: The use of doping undermines the principles of fair play, creating an unfair competitive environment for ‘clean’ players. Need for Support:The combination of doping and its associated challenges necessitates comprehensive anti-doping education, prevention programs, and mental health support for players to safeguard their health and well-being.
