Kolkata: The defending champions and co-hosts India might struggle to fix their left-heavy wobbly top order at the ongoing T20 World Cup, but the ICC-UNICEF partnership is going from strength to strength in using cricket’s reach to advance children’s rights and well-being globally through the Cricket4Good initiative.Continuing the trophy walk in the mega event, UNICEF India representative Cynthia McCaffrey joined two young sports champions – 13-year-old Ayush Ram and 12-year-old Riya Tripathy from Mumbai – for the ceremonial Trophy Walkout at the start of the Zimbabwe-West Indies match at Wankhede Stadium on Monday.Speaking on the occasion, McCaffrey said, “UNICEF and the International Cricket Council share a deep commitment under the ‘Cricket for Good’ partnership that aims to inspire positive change for children. Over the past decade, our partnership has helped reach millions. This year, we focus on one powerful message — ‘Cheer for Children’ to champion every child’s Right to Play.”“This is truly a special moment for children interacting with cricket champions and join the trophy walk demonstrating inclusion, equality, hope and support for all children. ‘Cheer for Children’ sends a unifying call to millions in India who are passionate about cricket; and urges them to support children’s right to play, to learn and to grow up safe,” added McCaffrey.“Play builds resilience, leadership, collaboration and confidence — the very skills girls and boys need to succeed in school, in life and at work. When we invest in play today, we invest in a skilled, empowered generation for tomorrow,” added McCaffrey.Speaking at the walkout, Ayush said, “Walking out with the trophy made me feel proud and confident. Sport has taught me discipline and teamwork, and I want every child to get the same chance,” while Riya added, “Playing sports makes me feel confident and free. It teaches me that girls belong on the field just as much as anyone else, and that we should never stop dreaming big.”Last week, ahead of the India-Netherland match at Narendra Modi Stadium, Soledad Herrero, chief of field services, UNICEF India, did a trophy walkout along with two young athletes from Ahmedabad and was joined by former India cricketer Ravi Shastri.“Cricket is a powerful unifier for equity and inclusion. It reminds us that every child, everywhere, deserves a fair chance. UNICEF is proud to partner with the International Cricket Council (ICC) during the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a key simple objective: enhancing children’s rights to play,” Herrero told the media ahead of the game.“Play powers stronger generation tomorrow. The best way in which children learn, explore and understand the world is through play. Play is also the entry way through which they develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills while boosting confidence and emotional regulation,” she added.Meanwhile, Zafrin Chowdhury, chief of communication, advocacy, and partnerships at UNICEF India, says that “Cricket is more than a sport in many parts of the world it is a shared language. It cuts across age, gender, geography and social backgrounds. Because of its emotional connection and massive following, cricket allows important messages about children’s rights to reach families and communities in a powerful and relatable way.”Stressing further on UNICEF’s continuous and long-term efforts, Chowdhury added, “While the World Cup is a key moment for engagement, the partnership is designed to create awareness and impact beyond the tournament. The focus is on sustained messaging, long-term advocacy and continued collaboration wherever possible.”
