UNICEF South Asia Regional Ambassador and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar led a day for children, calling for gender equality along with Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan during the India-Sri Lanka match in Mumbai. The One Day for Children is an important event under the ICC-UNICEF partnership to support children’s issues and causes during the ICC Men’s World Cup Cricket 2023.
In the second innings of the match, Tendulkar and Muralitharan helped light up the Wankhede Stadium in UNICEF’s cyan blue colour as part of a partnership between UNICEF and the International Cricket Council.
“The World Cup is an opportune moment to bring people together and promote hope and equality for every child, and I am delighted that today’s match between Sri Lanka and India is the One Day for Children match,” said Tendulkar. “I urge the players, the audiences here and across the world, and ICC partners, to pledge to treat boys and girls equally, irrespective of gender and to build a world where all children, especially girls, have equal rights. I urge everyone to be a champion for children and pledge to end gender inequality together!”
In-stadium audiences were handed LED wrist bands which turned blue with the Stadium. The Blue LED wrist bands came with a QR code which linked to a pledge for children.
“Today’s World Cup match is dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of all children. This is a valuable opportunity to bring the power of cricket – its massive reach across the globe – to advocate for better, safer and empowering lives for millions of girls and boys,” said Cynthia McCaffrey, Representative, UNICEF India. “We greatly value the partnership with ICC and BCCI to use cricket to raise awareness and promote gender equality among millions of young fans and followers, and urge them to be champions for children, especially for girls.”
“I strongly believe that playing sport can positively transform children’s lives. Ensuring participation of girls in sports can challenge gender norms and change attitudes in schools, playgrounds and homes,” added Tendulkar. “Girls and boys everywhere, dream of a better future, and when girls do better, we all do better!”
Feedback: [email protected]
