International Cricket Council’s Cricket 4 Good Initiative Connects Young Fans with T20 World Cup Stars

New Delhi — The Cricket 4 Good initiative by the International Cricket Council, in partnership with UNICEF, has successfully organised a series of cricket clinics during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, engaging young fans across various locations as part of the ICC’s global community outreach programme.

Held alongside the tournament and involving participating teams, the clinics offered children a unique opportunity to interact directly with international cricketers, sharpen their cricketing skills, and experience the confidence, enjoyment, and life lessons associated with sports. The initiative highlights the ICC’s commitment to using cricket as a platform to create a positive and lasting impact on children and families worldwide.

At Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, a Cricket 4 Good clinic featuring India national cricket team gave children an unforgettable and engaging cricket experience. Participants took part in interactive on-field activities, learned fundamental cricket techniques, and enjoyed close interactions with players during a special meet-and-greet session. The clinic also included photo opportunities and informal discussions, allowing young fans to connect with their sporting idols while learning the values of teamwork, confidence, and sportsmanship.

The Mumbai venue also hosted sessions involving the United States national cricket team, England national cricket team, West Indies cricket team, and Nepal national cricket team, where children engaged in cricket-based activities and interacted with players.

In Chennai, the programme included clinics featuring the Afghanistan national cricket team at the High Performance Centre and the New Zealand national cricket team at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Players from both teams spent time playing cricket with children and interacting informally. The New Zealand session also included specially-abled children, reinforcing the initiative’s inclusive approach.

The outreach programme continued at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where children participated in cricket activities alongside the Italy national cricket team. Meanwhile, at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, young fans interacted with the Namibia national cricket team, enjoying cricket sessions and informal interactions with players.

In Colombo, several Cricket 4 Good clinics were organised across venues. At the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, children participated in sessions with the Oman national cricket team, while the Colombo Cricket Club Ground hosted a clinic with the Pakistan national cricket team. Another session took place at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, where the Australia national cricket team engaged with young fans through cricket activities and meet-and-greet interactions.

Through Cricket 4 Good, the ICC and UNICEF continue to utilise the platform of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 while collaborating with local community organisations and partners to organise programmes beyond tournament activities, ensuring a meaningful and long-term positive impact on children and families worldwide.

With inputs from IANS