Elite cricketers unite in support of HIV/AIDS awareness for World AIDS Day

The world's best cricketers have pledged their support to the global fight against HIV and AIDS to mark World AIDS Day 2005 on Thursday 1 December.

All players participating in international cricket matches on or around World AIDS Day will wear red ribbons as a sign of solidarity with the millions of people around the world living with HIV and AIDS.

For the first time the world's leading male cricketers will be joined in this initiative by their female counterparts.

Awareness-raising activities will be undertaken at the following matches:

The captains of Pakistan and England have both offered positive words of support for the fight against HIV and AIDS ahead of their decisive third Test match in Lahore. "To fight against AIDS is the responsibility of every human being. By wearing red ribbons on World AIDS Day, we hope to create awareness of this terrible disease amongst all people and help to support the cause to eliminate it," said Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq.

England captain Michael Vaughan added: "We will be wearing red ribbons to try and raise awareness of AIDs and help in the fight against the disease worldwide." Australia's players will also wear red ribbons in their opening one-day match against neighbours New Zealand and their captain Ricky Ponting echoed the comments of Inzamam and Vaughan.

"The Australian cricket team supports the ICC's campaign to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS which affects over 40 million people, many of them in cricket playing nations. Through awareness we hope many lives can be saved and a cure can be found," said Ponting.

The first female international cricketers to support this initiative will be the participants in the second One-Day International between India and England at Lucknow.

England captain Charlotte Edwards explained why the England players would be wearing red ribbons.

"Women's cricket has a pretty high profile in India so this will be a fantastic opportunity for us to help promote AIDS awareness here. We are delighted to be able to join our male counterparts in support of this important campaign," said Edwards.

ICC President Ehsan Mani praised the players for helping cricket to `run out' AIDS.

"The ICC is delighted that for the third year in a row the cricket world has united in this common cause," said Mr Mani.

"These players are idolized by millions of fans around the world and their support of the fight against HIV and AIDS helps raise awareness and reduce stigma in relation to the epidemic.

"The spirit of cricket demands that we support UNAIDS fight an epidemic that is prevalent in many of the leading cricket countries."

Ben Plumley, Director of the UNAIDS Executive Office explained the pivotal role that cricket can play.

"International cricket has been a consistent and strong supporter in the fight against HIV and AIDS since it entered into a partnership with UNAIDS in 2003. The involvement of elite players in helping to raise awareness has had a positive impact in reducing some of the stigma that can still be attached to HIV and AIDS and we are very pleased that female cricketers have joined their male counterparts in this initiative for the first time," said Ben Plumley, Director of the UNAIDS Executive Office.