UNICEF’s endeavour to highlight child rights through ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup
MUMBAI, Oct 30 (BVI) If you want to highlight children’s rights, there can be no better way than using cricket which is treated like a religion in India.
This is what the UNICEF did as it partnered with the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the ongoing Women’s Cricket World Cup Tournament being held in India and Sri Lanka.
In fact, before the start of a match between India and Bangladesh here, famous Bollywood Star Ayushmann Khurrana joined in the effort as he participated in a Trophy Walkout to the field of play, along with UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey and two children, Ashish Gupta and Dishita Nirmal.
The partnership leverages the global reach of the Women’s World Cup in advocating for children’s rights and wellbeing under the ‘Promise to Children’ campaign initiative amplified across ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 matches in India and Sri Lanka, the UNICEF said in a statement.
“It calls on cricket fans, audiences and players to join hands with UNICEF to support every child’s right to grow up safe, educated, and empowered,” the statement said.
On the occasion, Ayushmann called upon cricketing fans to make a promise for supporting children’s rights.
“As UNICEF India National Ambassador, I am honoured to be here today to support the UNICEF-ICC partnership for children’s rights. Cricket is more than a game in India; it’s an emotion that brings people together.
“When fans, players, and organisations come together through cricket to talk about their promise to children, equality and opportunity, that message reaches millions. It’s a spark that can inspire many more and I am thankful for UNICEF for championing this cause,” he said.
He went on to add that the Trophy Walkout was “a reminder of our shared responsibility to make and fulfil our meaningful promise to every child.”
Cynthia McCaffrey said, “UNICEF’s partnership with ICC is invaluable in building on the power of cricket to usher in a brighter tomorrow for children. Special thanks to UNICEF India National Ambassador, Ayushmann Khurrana, for his presence and support to the playing teams and for inspiring young minds and audiences across India. Ayushman is inspiring us all to renew our promise for children – enabling healthy, safe childhoods and thriving futures.”
Under the UNICEF-ICC World Cup partnership, 20 children participated in on-field coaching sessions, teamwork activities and interactive discussions on life skills, leadership, health, and equality at the clinic site at the Dr. D Y Patil Stadium.
Ayushmann Khurrana is amongst India’s most celebrated film stars who is known for his versatility, authenticity, and commitment to meaningful cinema.
He was appointed as UNICEF India’s National Ambassador in 2023.
He adds a powerful voice in advocating for India’s children’s rights to survive, thrive and safely participate in decisions affecting them. (BVI)
