The electric atmosphere at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium got an uplifting prelude on February 18, with Ravi Shastri, UNICEF India’s Soledad Herrero, and two local young guns executing the ‘Trophy Walk’ before India faced Netherlands. This ICC-UNICEF flagship event leveraged cricket’s stardom to champion child rights and holistic child development.
Rangi Niyati Mohanlal, the 15-year-old state sensation with a trophy cabinet full of national and international honors, walked alongside 14-year-old cricket hopeful Rey Ankit Umashankar Bhai. Their presence embodied the initiative’s core: giving every child wings through play.
Herrero told the press, ‘Cricket powerfully promotes equality and inclusion. Every child merits equal opportunity. Our ICC collaboration for Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 spotlights the right to play.’ She passionately detailed sport’s gifts: critical thinking, resilience, teamwork, and emotional balance, all amplified in fear-free zones.
‘Secure spaces let children explore boldly, building belonging and boldness,’ she added. ICC and UNICEF called on communities to erect safe play arenas in schools and streets. Rooted in over a decade of ‘Cricket for Good’ since 2015, they’ve advanced sanitation, education, empowerment, and play parity for all genders.
This vibrant ceremony amid match-day hype reinforced cricket’s societal muscle. It’s a win bigger than any scorecard—fueling a movement where play unlocks potential, ensuring tomorrow’s stars shine unhindered.