International Cricket Council (ICC), in collaboration with UNICEF, launched the “Promise to Children” digital campaign during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The campaign aims to harness cricket’s global influence to promote equal opportunities and rights for all children, especially the most vulnerable.
Key Highlights
- Objective: To unite cricket fans, players, and audiences worldwide in supporting children’s rights to education, healthcare, nutrition, safe water, sanitation, and protection from violence.
- Theme: “Promise to Children” calls individuals and communities to pledge support for creating lasting positive impact for vulnerable children.
- Implementation Partners:
- UNICEF, in partnership with governments and stakeholders, will use the support generated to strengthen programs in child health, education, and welfare.
- Celebrity Supporters:
- Ayushmann Khurrana (UNICEF National Ambassador)
- Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain, Indian Women’s Cricket Team)
Activities under Campaign
- Cricket Clinics with Children – Interactive sessions to engage youth through sport.
- Roundtable Discussions – Featuring former cricketers on child welfare themes.
- Digital & Broadcast Engagement – Awareness drives across online platforms during the World Cup.
- Community Outreach – Mobilizing fans and cricket clubs for grassroots child development initiatives.
Significance
- Reinforces cricket’s role as a tool for social change and inclusivity.
- Aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
- Strengthens India’s and Sri Lanka’s leadership in using global sporting events for humanitarian advocacy.
About ICC (International Cricket Council)
- Established: 1909 as Imperial Cricket Conference, renamed International Cricket Conference in 1965, and International Cricket Council in 1989.
- Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Members: 110 (12 Full Members, 94 Associate Members).
- Key Role: Global governing body of cricket responsible for:
- Conducting major international tournaments – Men’s & Women’s Cricket World Cups, T20 World Cups.
- Maintaining the ICC Code of Conduct, playing conditions, and umpire panels.
- Overseeing anti-corruption and anti-doping measures.
- Promoting cricket development in associate nations through its Development Programmes.
Major ICC Tournaments
- ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup – First held in 1975 (England).
- ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup – First held in 1973 (England).
- ICC T20 World Cup – First held in 2007 (South Africa).
- ICC World Test Championship – Introduced in 2019.
About UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)
- Founded: 1946 (as United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund).
- Headquarters: New York, United States.
- Global Presence: Active in over 190 countries and territories.
- Mandate: To protect the rights and well-being of every child—health, nutrition, education, equality, and protection.
- Funding: Relies on voluntary contributions from governments, NGOs, and individuals.
Historical Milestones
| Year | Development |
| 1946 | Established to aid children affected by World War II. |
| 1950 | Expanded to long-term development work for children and women. |
| 1953 | Became a permanent part of the UN system. |
| 1965 | Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian efforts. |
UNICEF in India
- Works with the Government of India and civil society to advance child rights under the National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC).
- Focuses on areas such as:
- Child health & nutrition (immunization, maternal care).
- Education & gender equality.
- Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) initiatives.
- Digital learning & adolescent empowerment programs.
- UNICEF has been active in India since 1949, making it one of its oldest country operations.
Key Facts
- ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: Jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka; first time both nations co-host a women’s world event.
- UNICEF India National Ambassadors:
- Ayushmann Khurrana – appointed in 2020.
- Kareena Kapoor Khan, Madhuri Dixit, and Sachin Tendulkar have also served in past roles.
- UNICEF Motto: “For every child.”
- UNICEF Headquarters (Regional for South Asia): Kathmandu, Nepal.
- India’s Key Child Welfare Schemes:
- Poshan Abhiyaan (2018) – Nutrition improvement.
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (2015) – Girl child empowerment.
- Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0 (2021) – Strengthening Anganwadi services.
- PM POSHAN Scheme (Mid-Day Meal) – Nutrition in schools.