Unicef logo to appear on Bangladesh jersey

Unicef and the BCB joined hands Wednesday in a development and advocacy partnership aimed at championing the Unicef’s cause, and to contribute towards the participation of children in the game of cricket. 

Unicef has become the BCB’s International Charity Partner, and as part of the agreement, the world famous Unicef logo will appear on the match jerseys of the Bangladesh cricket teams (men’s, women’s and U-19).

The move is the first time Unicef’s renowned mother and child logo has appeared on the shirts of an international cricket team, which is a major milestone for the UN agency.   

The two-year-long partnership deal is at the centre of Unicef’s sports activation plan – launched to encourage adolescent boys and girls to play cricket. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Unicef is committed to supporting the BCB’s drive to develop cricket in Bangladesh, with the focus especially on getting children in general – especially girls under 18 – to play the game. 

BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury and Unicef Bangladesh Representative Edouard Beigbeder signed the agreement at the BCB office in the city where cricketer Mehedi Hasan Miraz was also present. 

“Given the popularity of cricket in Bangladesh, high hopes are pinned on this partnership. BCB and Unicef have had successful collaborations on several occasions in the past. But through this partnership, we hope to reach out to many more disadvantaged children, and empower them through cricket,” said Beigbeder. 

Through its wide network of adolescent clubs, Unicef can add more weight to the BCB’s talent scouting process, and take part in age-specific tournaments throughout the year, Beigbeder said.            

Nizamuddin said the BCB’s partnership with Unicef will give impetus “to the enormous positive wave” that cricket can stimulate in society. 

“It will bring a more human face to the existing activities of BCB as it formally champions the rights of children to play,” said the BCB high-up.

The BCB attaches high importance to supporting social and humanitarian initiatives and this agreement is a testimony of our commitment to improving lives, especially of children in Bangladesh,” he said.

Unicef Bangladesh has been working closely with the BCB and national cricketers to raise awareness on child rights issue since 2006. 

It has also collaborated with the ICC and the BCB at numerous ICC events including the World Cup 2011, Women's World Cup Qualifiers 2011 and the World T20I 2014.