Cricket – ICC Outreach Clinics Inspire Young Fans During T20 World Cup
Cricket – As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 unfolds across iconic venues, a parallel effort off the field is quietly shaping lasting memories for children through the ICC’s Cricket 4 Good initiative in partnership with UNICEF.
Bringing Cricket Closer to Young Supporters
Running alongside the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Cricket 4 Good programme has introduced a series of structured cricket clinics designed to connect young fans with the sport’s global stars. Hosted across multiple host cities, these sessions aim to nurture grassroots participation while reinforcing values such as teamwork, discipline and self-belief.
The initiative forms part of the International Cricket Council’s broader community outreach strategy, using the global appeal of cricket to support children and families. By offering hands-on engagement with international teams, organisers hope to create experiences that extend beyond matchday excitement.
Memorable Moments at Wankhede Stadium
One of the standout events took place at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, where children joined members of Team India for an interactive clinic. Young participants were guided through fundamental cricket drills before stepping onto the field for activities led by the players themselves.
The day also included informal conversations, photographs and shared practice moments that gave children rare access to their sporting idols. Organisers described the atmosphere as energetic and uplifting, with a clear emphasis on building confidence and encouraging sportsmanship among participants.
The Mumbai venue also welcomed players from the United States, England, West Indies and Nepal for additional sessions under the same programme. Children rotated through skill stations and engaged in short meet-and-greet interactions, offering exposure to different cricketing cultures represented at the global tournament.
Chennai Clinics Highlight Inclusion
In Chennai, activities were split between two prominent venues. Afghanistan’s squad spent time with young cricketers at the High Performance Centre, leading drills and friendly games that encouraged participation from beginners and budding players alike.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s team hosted a clinic at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. This session stood out for its inclusive approach, as specially-abled children were welcomed to take part alongside others. Players adapted activities to ensure everyone could participate, reinforcing the programme’s focus on accessibility and equal opportunity.
Engagement Continues in Kolkata and Delhi
The outreach drive extended eastward to Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where children interacted with members of Italy’s team. Through group exercises and short practice matches, participants gained practical insights while sharing moments with international athletes.
In the national capital, the Arun Jaitley Stadium hosted a clinic featuring Namibia’s squad. Young fans had the opportunity to play informal cricket, receive guidance and spend time speaking with players about their journeys in the sport. Organisers said the sessions were structured to balance enjoyment with skill development.
Colombo Hosts Multi-Team Sessions
Across Colombo, the programme reached several venues, broadening its regional footprint. At the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, children joined Oman’s players for skill-based drills and interactive games. The Colombo Cricket Club Ground later welcomed Pakistan’s team for a similar event, where young participants experienced direct engagement with professionals.
Another session was held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, where Australia’s squad led activities combining coaching elements with informal exchanges. Each clinic followed a consistent framework: practical cricket exercises, player interaction and reinforcement of positive life values linked to sport.
A Broader Vision Beyond the Tournament
Through Cricket 4 Good, the ICC and UNICEF are using the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as a platform to strengthen community ties. While the tournament delivers international competition at the highest level, the outreach programme ensures that its impact resonates within local communities.
By working alongside local partners and organisations, the initiative seeks to create sustained opportunities rather than one-time events. Officials involved in the programme have reiterated that the long-term objective is to empower children through sport, providing not just technical training but also encouragement, confidence and a sense of belonging.
As the tournament continues, these off-field engagements highlight how global sporting events can serve as catalysts for positive social impact, ensuring that the spirit of cricket extends far beyond the boundary ropes.