UNICEF and ICC Put Children and Their Right to Play in the Spotlight

AHMEDABAD – UNICEF- ICC partnership highlighted children’s empowerment and their right to play at the Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup. Soledad Herrero, Chief of Field Services, UNICEF India, along with two young athletes from Ahmedabad did a “trophy walkout” at the start of the India-Netherland match at Narendra Modi Stadium today.

“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’,” said Soledad while interacting with media before the trophy walkout.

“PLAY powers stronger generation tomorrow. The best way in which children learn, explore and understand the world is through play. Play is also the entryway through which they develop critical thinking, problem-solving, interpersonal skills while boosting confidence emotional regulation,” she said.

Stressing the importance of safe spaces for children, she pointed that ‘feeling safe allows children to explore, to try, to fail, and try again When there is play without fear, there is learning without anxiety, and a space to nurture confidence and sense of belonging.,” said Sole.

ICC and UNICEF are making a call today to protect the right to play as essential pathways for inclusion, equity and opportunity for all children; and to ask society and communities to create safe spaces in schools and communities, neighborhoods to play.

Amplifying the message of ‘right to play’ were two upcoming sportspersons from the city–15-year-old, Rangi Niyati Mohanlal and 14-year-old Ray Ankit Umashankarbhai who were part of the trophy walk. While Rangi has brought glory for the state in various national and international competitions, Ankit is a promising young cricketer.

UNICEF and the ICC have been working together for more than a decade now, since 2015, through the Cricket for Good initiative, using the reach of cricket to support children’s rights and well-being. Over these years, the partnership has helped speak on issues that matter in every child’s life, from sanitation, empowerment, education and the right to play, ensuring that girls as well as boys have equal opportunities they deserve.