UNICEF Takes Over Lord's for Women's T20 World Cup Match

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-06-24

The International Cricket Council (ICC), UNICEF UK, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are teaming up for something truly special. On June 24, Lord's Cricket Ground will host a "Play for UNICEF" matchday takeover during the Women's T20 World Cup group match between England and the West Indies. It's not just about cricket—it's about changing lives. This major charity event aims to raise $129,000 (converted from GBP 100,000) to support children's projects around the world. That's a big goal for a single day, but the organizers are confident. They believe cricket can help kids thrive, even in a world facing conflict and climate change. ### A Grand Fundraising Goal for Global Children The Lord's takeover is all about raising funds and awareness for UNICEF's life-saving work. The ICC and its partners have set a target of $129,000 in just one day. These funds will go toward projects that provide critical care and supplies to children in more than 190 countries. This activation is part of UNICEF UK's "Making Childhood Unstoppable" initiative. The campaign celebrates children as a powerful force. It demands that every child deserves the right to learn, play, and grow. This fundraiser amplifies the voices of kids who are struggling through crises that prevent them from thriving. ### How Fans Can Make a Difference Fans attending the match at Lord's or watching from home have several ways to contribute. Supporters at the ground will receive special "4s and 6s" cards. These cards feature QR codes for quick donations. Meanwhile, the big screens at Lord's will display donation prompts and replay messaging throughout the game. - Attendees can scan QR codes on special cards to donate instantly. - Global TV viewers will see dedicated donation messages during the broadcast. - The ECB is donating a signed England jersey for a special auction. - All auction proceeds go directly to help vulnerable children. ### Stars Join Forces for the Play for UNICEF Campaign High-profile personalities are lending their support to make this matchday a success. Nabhaan Rizwan, a two-time BAFTA-nominated actor and dedicated cricket fan, will attend as a UNICEF UK supporter. He'll walk out onto the iconic Lord's pitch with the World Cup trophy before the match starts. Joining Rizwan is former England pacer and legendary commentator Isa Guha. Together, they will lead the trophy walkout to promote the "Play for UNICEF" message. Rizwan said fans can enjoy cricket while supporting an important cause. It's a simple idea, but it packs a punch. ### The Impact of the Cricket 4 Good Programme The Lord's takeover isn't a stand-alone event. It's part of the broader "Cricket 4 Good" programme. This initiative is a joint effort by the ICC and UNICEF to use cricket's power for positive change off the field. All 12 teams in the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 are participating in this social responsibility effort. International players are hosting cricket sessions for schoolgirls across the seven host venues. These sessions aim to inspire more than 600 young aspiring cricketers to take up the sport. It follows the massive success of the Schools Cricket Day held on April 23. ### Why This Matters Cricket is more than a game. It's a platform for change. This event shows how sports can unite people for a common cause. Whether you're at Lord's or watching from your living room, you can be part of something bigger. A single donation can help a child get the care they need. And that's a win we can all celebrate. So mark your calendar for June 24. Watch England take on the West Indies. And if you can, chip in to support UNICEF's work. Every dollar counts.