Uzbekistan has taken another major step in its cricket journey, as the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan (CFU) was officially welcomed into the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) during its conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh on July 30.
In 2022 Uzbekistan became an Associate Member of the sport’s governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Cricket has grown swiftly in Uzbekistan, with more than 4,000 players now participating in schools, universities, and community clubs across the country. The CFU has introduced cricket to 253 sports schools, using ICC training materials translated into Uzbek to engage young players. Facilities have been set up in Tashkent, Chirchiq, and Samarkand, laying the groundwork for Uzbekistan’s first national cricket team.
“Becoming part of the Asian Cricket Council is a historic step for Uzbekistan,” CFU Chairman Aziz Mihliev said. “It connects us with the wider Asian cricket community and strengthens our ability to grow the sport locally. 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.”
This membership places Uzbekistan among Asia’s recognised cricket nations, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Last year, the Times of Central Asia reported that Uzbekistan’s cricket team was preparing to play its first international matches, possibly against Mongolia.