Lusaka (Zambia), Jan 25 (IANS): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Zambia as the country with the best overall cricket development programme in Africa.

Zambia has won the Pepsi ICC Development Award after shrugging off competition from 13 countries and regions like powerhouses Namibia, Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya, reports Xinhua.

ICC Africa Administration Officer Zuraida Badat said Friday apart from taking the continental award, Zambia would be entered for the global award whose adjudication and winners will be announced next month.

"It's congratulations to the African winners and good luck at the global awards. This is the second chance to make Africa proud," he said.

Other African winners are Uganda for Best Women's Cricket Initiative, Kenya for Best Junior Participation and Namibia for Best Cricket Promotional and Marketing award went to Namibia.

Zambia Cricket Union president Reuben Chama expressed delight at the awards and said it was a victory for the nation.

"We are extremely happy that we have won this award. It's really a big achievement to the nation and for cricket. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make it work and ultimately it's a victory for Zambia," he said.