Laudable when icons leverage their fame for a cause

Sachin Tendulkar at NSCI. Pic/Sameer Markande

Even as Sri Lanka was packed off for 55 runs on a thunderous day for India, there were serious takeaways besides the obvious jump for India into the World Cup cricket semi-final. That day they were playing an equal music at the Wankhede Stadium as UNICEF South Asia Regional ambassador and legend Sachin Tendulkar called for gender equality with Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lankan cricket icon, during the India-Sri Lanka match.

Tendulkar and Muralitharan pressed a button which lit up the stadium in UNICEF's iconic cyan blue colour, indicative of the UNICEF and International Cricket Council (ICC) partnership. From 2022, the UNICEF and ICC have leveraged their partnership to empower girls and young women through the game. Tendulkar gave a statement that the World Cup is an opportune moment to bring people together and promote hope and equality for every child. Ensuring participation of girls in sport can challenge gender norms and change attitudes in playgrounds, homes and schools. He told people to pledge to treat boys and girls equally, and to build a world where all children have equal rights. He added on an uplifting note that girls and boys everywhere, dream of a better future, and when girls do better, we all do better.

Use the big stage and big occasion to break stereotypes, send positive messages and change mindsets.

When an icon speaks it carries much more weight and makes a tremendous impact, not just on fans but the wider spectator base. Sport has always been used as a vehicle for messages, visibility and statements. More power to such partnerships, legends who leverage their influence for the betterment of society.

Applause for this pitch for parity.