Make a Promise to Children: ICC and UNICEF drive equal opportunities for children in India

New Delhi, India- The International Cricket Council and UNICEF have joined hands to amplify the Promise to Children digital campaign during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 to be played in India and Sri Lanka. The campaign calls on cricket fans, audiences and players to join hands with UNICEF and create equal opportunities for all children, especially the most vulnerable.

Supported by UNICEF National Ambassador and Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana and Indian women’s cricket vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, the initiative builds on the power of cricket to inspire people to commit to children’s rights, including access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, safe water, sanitation and protection from violence.

ICC Chairman Mr. Jay Shah said: “ICC remains committed to providing equal opportunities for girls and boys around the world. We are delighted to partner with UNICEF and invest in initiatives that will improve the lives of all children, supporting them to stay healthy, nourished, educated, and play.  Through the Promise to Children campaign, ICC and UNICEF together will engage the broader cricketing community through collaborations with coaches, cricketers and cricketing personalities to advance the rights of every child.”

UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey said, “Nothing matches the power of cricket enjoyed by billions of fans. The UNICEF- ICC partnership builds on a joint commitment to create equal opportunities for every girl and boy. It inspires the nation with one united call to action – to make a Promise to Children.”

UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana said, “I’m glad to be a part of UNICEF’s Promise to Children digital campaign, supported by the International Cricket Council. For me, the Indian women’s cricket team reflects the determination and commitment of girls and their families who understand the power of ‘Promise to Children.' Each promise, big or small, can contribute to real change and contribute to building an equitable society.”

India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana said, “As a cricketer, I know how the sport is a great equaliser. Promise to Children is a powerful campaign that can be a personal commitment and a collective responsibility to support children with access to a happy, healthy and safe childhood.”

The partnership during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will also feature cricket clinics with children and participating teams, roundtable discussions with legends of the game, stakeholders, and campaign messages through digital channels, players, commentators and TV spots.

Cricket fans are encouraged to join ICC and UNICEF online platforms to learn more and make their Promise to Children https://india.unicef.org/icc-wcwc

Note to Editors:

Promise To Children campaign: ‘Promise to Children’ is a campaign that brings together people from all walks of life to support children by pledging support. This steady support enables UNICEF, with partners and the government, to create lasting impact for the most vulnerable children across India with access to healthcare, education, clean water, sanitation and a safe environment to grow.

As part of this journey, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup partnership will add momentum to the 5-week digital campaign starting from 29 September 2025, inspiring even more people to join the movement for every child.  Join the movement and make your promise today athttps://india.unicef.org/icc-wcwc

ABOUT THE ICC

The ICC is the global governing body for cricket. Representing 110 members, the ICC governs and administers the game and is responsible for the staging of major international tournaments, including the ICC Men’s and Women’s Cricket World Cups and the ICC Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cups, as well as all associated qualifying events.

The ICC presides over the ICC Code of Conduct which sets the professional standards of discipline for international cricket, playing conditions, bowling reviews and other ICC regulations. The Laws of the game remain under the auspices of the MCC. 

The ICC also appoints the umpires and referees that officiate at all sanctioned Test matches, One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals. Through the Anti-Corruption Unit, it coordinates action against corruption and match fixing.

The ICC Development department works with Associate Members to improve the quality of international cricket, build better cricket systems, get more people playing cricket and grow the game.