UNICEF, ICC Spotlight Children’s Right to Play at T20 World Cup

AHMEDABAD, February 18, 2026: UNICEF and the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday highlighted children’s empowerment and their right to play during the Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup in

Ahmedabad. The initiative featured a ceremonial trophy walkout at Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of the India–Netherlands match, drawing attention to inclusion, equity, and safe play spaces for children.

The trophy walkout was led by Soledad Herrero, Chief of Field Services, UNICEF India, accompanied by two young athletes from Ahmedabad—15-year-old Rangi Niyati Mohanlal and 14-year-old Ray Ankit Umashankarbhai. The symbolic gesture aimed to amplify awareness about children’s right to play as an essential component of development and well-being on a global sporting platform.

Addressing the media before the walkout, Soledad Herrero said, “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.

Emphasising the developmental importance of play, she added, “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.

Highlighting the need for secure environments, she further stated, “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.

The joint initiative by ICC and UNICEF calls upon governments, communities, and institutions to protect children’s right to play as a pathway to inclusion, equity, and opportunity. The organisations urged society to create safe spaces in schools, neighbourhoods, and communities to enable children to engage in play without fear or discrimination.

The presence of young sportspersons Rangi and Ankit during the trophy walk reinforced the message. Rangi has represented the state in various national and international competitions, while Ankit is recognised as a promising young cricketer. Their participation underscored the importance of nurturing emerging talent and ensuring equal opportunities for both girls and boys in sports.

UNICEF and the ICC have collaborated for more than a decade through the Cricket for Good initiative, launched in 2015. The partnership leverages cricket’s global reach to advocate for children’s rights and well-being, addressing issues such as sanitation, education, empowerment, and the right to play. Over the years, the initiative has focused on ensuring equitable access to opportunities for children worldwide.

The spotlight at the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 adds to the ongoing efforts to integrate child rights messaging into major international sporting events. By aligning sport with social advocacy, the partnership seeks to build broader awareness about the role of play in holistic child development and to encourage inclusive community participation.

About UNICEF:
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children. Operating in more than 190 countries and territories, the organisation works for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org
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