- Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Players from both sides will back the One Day 4 Children campaign apart from legendary former players such as Sachin Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan, who are UNICEF and ICC ambassadors.
By: Shubham Ghosh
WHILE millions in the Indian subcontinent and elsewhere were keeping a close watch on runs and wickets in the ongoing cricket World Cup 2023, the quadrennial tournament also remained witness to a noble initiative of children’s welfare.
The International Cricket Council (ICC), along with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF or formerly UN International Children’s Emergency Fund) and in partnership of the cricket boards of India and Sri Lanka is set to observe “One Day 4 Children” with an aim of helping every child to survive and thrive, a report on the ICC website said.
The Wankhede Stadium in India’s Mumbai will turn blue on November 2, when India meet Sri Lanka for their World Cup fixture, as part of the #BeAChampion campaign. Its goal is not only to see the World Cup succeed in making the world a better place for every child but also giving girls and boys equal opportunity.
According to the ICC report, the match day will see fans at the venue getting an LED wristband synced with a stadium-wide blue-light show after half time. Players from both sides will back the One Day 4 Children campaign and the occasion will see legendary former players such as Sachin Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan, who are UNICEF and ICC ambassadors.
“Every international cricketer, including myself, started as a child with a dream,” Tendulkar said ahead of the event.
“I look forward to joining hands with UNICEF to see my home ground at the Wankhede Stadium turn blue as we champion equality for children across the world.”
According to the Asian News International, Muralitharan said, “I am proud to support the ICC and UNICEF in promoting the One Day 4 Children match at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. I am looking forward to catching up with my long-time friend Sachin Tendulkar to turn the Wankhede Stadium blue for what will be a crucial fixture for the Sri Lankan team against the hosts. I hope everyone across the game can join us to be part of this special game and help improve the lives of children.”
Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, said he is looking forward to turning the iconic cricket venue in Mumbai blue.
“The Wankhede Stadium glowing blue is more than a visual spectacle; it’s a symbol of our collective efforts to support and nurture children and help them pursue their dreams,” he was quoted as saying by the ICC report.
“I firmly believe that this World Cup is a wonderful platform and an opportunity for us to create a legacy of hope, equality and opportunity for every child.”
The ICC, UNICEF and all 10 teams at the tournament are organising clinics in each host city, where hundreds of children from UNICEF programmes are getting an opportunity to pick up a bat and ball alongside their heroes.
(With agency inputs)
