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| Thursday, 2 December 2004 |
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Test captains unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS The captains of the Test-playing nations today jointly issued a joint statement in support of the fight against HIV/AIDS. As part of international cricket's partnership with the joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and to coincide with World Aids Day on 1 December, the captains have united to make the following Captains' Pledge: "HIV and AIDS is a global issue that cannot be ignored. "There are over 40 million people around the world living with HIV and AIDS. Over a third of these live in the ten countries that play Test match cricket. "HIV and AIDS is everyone's problem and it is the responsibility of us all to do something about it. "Our commitment is to address this epidemic by raising awareness and education levels in the cricket community. "We urge young people to protect themselves from HIV and our leaders to pay more attention to the epidemic. "When we step onto the cricket field we do so as rivals but in the battle against HIV and AIDS we are united. AIDS is a common enemy and we must fight it together." Signed, Ricky Ponting (Australia) Habibul Bashar (Bangladesh) The West Indies did not have a captain at the time of World Aids Day 2004, but the West Indies Cricket Board has pledged its full support to the initiative. ICC President Ehsan Mani thanked the players for their collective support of the cause. "I am delighted that the captains of all the Test playing nations have united in their support of the fight against HIV and AIDS," said Mr. Mani. "The threat of HIV/AIDS is so real in many of the major cricketing nations that it is vital that these role models play a part in the global battle against this epidemic. Executive Director of UNAIDS, Dr. Peter Piot, praised the sport of cricket for its pioneering initiative. "Cricket players are leading the sports world in speaking out about AIDS boldly. The pledge taken by the cricket captains has opened a new front of leadership in the global effort to stop the AIDS epidemic," said Dr. Piot. The Captain's Pledge is part of a series of initiatives that will take place to coincide with World Aids Day 2004. All of the participating players and match officials will wear red ribbons on the fourth day of the India v South Africa Test match in Kolkata and during the second One-Day International match between Zimbabwe v England in Harare. The red ribbons are a sign of solidarity with the millions of people around the world living with HIV/AIDS. South Africa captain Graeme Smith confirmed that his team would be helping to raise awareness of the cause. 'HIV and AIDS is a massive problem throughout the world, and in Africa it has reached alarming proportions," said Smith. "We, as the South African national cricket team, wholeheartedly support World AIDS Day and will be signifying that support by wearing the red AIDS ribbons during the fourth day of the second Test against India in Calcutta. Be aware of HIV/AIDS, it is for real." England captain, Michael Vaughan also offered his team's support. "This is a very important initiative which will help highlight the plight of those who suffer from HIV and AIDS," said Vaughan. "The England team is happy to support the campaign and we will all be wearing our red ribbons during the second One Day International in Harare against Zimbabwe." Regional events have also been coordinated through the ICC Development Program. Planned initiatives include the handing out of HIV/AIDS related literature in African development countries. HIV/AIDS issue will be discussed at the Americas Coaching Seminar in Mexico City and red awareness ribbons will be worn by all attendees at the Coaching and Development Conference that is being held by the European region in London. World AIDS Day is commemorated around the world on December 1. It celebrates progress made in the battle against the epidemic - and brings into focus remaining challenges. This year's World AIDS Day highlights 'Have you heard me today' - the theme of the World AIDS campaign 2004. The campaign focuses on the many issues affecting women and girls around HIV and AIDS. (ICC media release) |
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