MUMBAI: Calling upon cricketing fans to make a promise for supporting children’s rights, UNICEF India national ambassador and Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana participated in a trophy walkout to the field of play, prior to the start of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup match between India and Bangladesh (ultimately washed out due to rain), here on Sunday.
Khurrana was accompanied by UNICEF India representative Cynthia McCaffrey, along with two young children – Ashish Gupta and Dishita Nirmal – under the UNICEF-ICC partnership to promote children’s rights. The partnership leverages the global reach of the Women’s World Cup in advocating for children’s rights and wellbeing under the ‘Promise to Children’ campaign initiative amplified across Women’s World Cup 2025 matches in India and Sri Lanka. It calls on cricket fans, audiences and players to join hands with UNICEF to support every child’s right to grow up safe, educated, and empowered.
Reinforcing this commitment, Khurrana spoke about the power of cricket in bringing change. “As UNICEF India national ambassador, I am honoured to be here today to support the UNICEF-ICC partnership for children’s rights. Cricket is more than a game in India; it’s an emotion that brings people together. When fans, players, and organisations come together through cricket to talk about their promise to children, equality and opportunity, that message reaches millions. It’s a spark that can inspire many more and I am thankful for UNICEF for championing this cause,” he said, adding: “Today’s Trophy Walkout is a reminder of our shared responsibility to make and fulfil our meaningful promise to every child.”
“UNICEF’s partnership with ICC is invaluable in building on the power of cricket to usher in a brighter tomorrow for children. Special thanks to UNICEF India national ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana for his presence and support to the playing teams and for inspiring young minds and audiences across India. Ayushman is inspiring us all to renew our promise for children – enabling healthy, safe childhoods and thriving futures.” commented McCaffrey.
The UNICEF-ICC World Cup partnership held an ICC Cricket4Good Clinic on 25 October, bringing children closer to players for promoting child rights, gender equality, and inclusion through the game of cricket. Twenty children participated in on-field coaching sessions, teamwork activities and interactive discussions on life skills, leadership, health, and equality at the clinic site at the Dr D Y Patil Stadium.
Khurrana, who is known for his versatility, authenticity, and commitment to meaningful cinema, was appointed as UNICEF India’s national ambassador in 2023. He adds a powerful voice in advocating for India’s children’s rights to survive, thrive and safely participate in decisions affecting them.
