Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium became a stage for social impact on February 18, as former India coach Ravi Shastri, alongside UNICEF India’s Soledad Herrero, walked the trophy with two young stars before the India-Netherlands showdown. This collaborative effort between ICC and UNICEF harnessed cricket’s massive appeal to advocate for children’s rights and inclusive development.
The young participants—state champion Rangi Niyati Mohanlal, 15, who has shone in various tournaments, and budding cricketer Rey Ankit Umashankar Bhai, 14—added a fresh, inspiring touch to the pre-match ceremony. Their involvement highlighted how sport can bridge gaps and uplift underprivileged youth.
In an exclusive media interaction, Herrero passionately stated, ‘Cricket embodies equality and inclusion, ensuring no child is left behind. Our ICC partnership for T20 World Cup 2026 focuses on promoting play as a fundamental right.’ She elaborated on play’s profound benefits: nurturing critical skills, boosting self-esteem, and teaching resilience through safe, fearless environments.
‘When children feel secure, they dare to explore, fail, and try again,’ Herrero noted. ‘This builds confidence and community.’ The organizations urged societies to build safe play zones, reinforcing their decade-long ‘Cricket for Good’ alliance that tackles education, sanitation, and gender equity.
This initiative underscores cricket’s evolving role beyond boundaries— as a catalyst for societal progress. With India’s cricket fervor at a peak, the Trophy Walk not only hyped the match but planted seeds for a more equitable future, where every child can swing for the stars.