ICC announces inaugural Diversity Day will take place on Friday 14 September

The ICC will hold the first ever Diversity Day at a world cricket event on 14 September at the ICC World Twenty20 2007.

Diversity Day, which will see a series of activities in the build up to the day as well as big screen messages and PA announcements at Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg at the three matches on Friday, will help showcase that cricket can captivate and inspire people of every age, gender, background and ability while building bridges between continents, countries and communities.

ICC Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Speed said: "The ICC World Twenty20 2007 is a perfect opportunity to illustrate the popularity of the game around the globe and how cricket can continue to attract and inspire people of all ages.

"We are extremely proud that cricket means so much to so many people and this Diversity Day is a celebration of that fact.

"We are proud too of the fact that since the ICC began its Development Program in 1997 we have taken cricket to many new places with our membership more than doubling from 47 to 101 in the past ten years.

"Cricket's diversity is a huge positive and we believe it is one way our strong sport can and will continue to grow even stronger in the years to come," he added.

Some of the game's leading stars have also spoken about cricket's wide appeal and offered their support to the ICC's Diversity Day on Friday.

AB de Villiers of South Africa said: "Cricket is a growing sport in South Africa and it is increasing in all parts of the country, in all areas, and cricket's diversity is another great aspect of the game.

"Cricket has already brought me all over the world and as a player you are exposed to new cultures and countries, something that is always interesting and challenging. It is possible to make great friends and broaden your horizons and I feel fortunate to be in that position just by playing the game that I love."

Pakistan star Younus Khan commented: "I guess this is the only sport that allows you to travel around the world and play in different conditions, atmosphere and surroundings.

"Cricket is my passion not only because it has given me respect, recognition and is my livelihood but also because I have got to know different people, explore different cultures and learn so many new and good things in my life."

England batsman Kevin Pietersen said: "Cricket is such a diverse sport because it includes people from all over the world. It is unique and quite simply there is so much to enjoy about the game. I play the game because I enjoy it and if this event can get even more people involved in cricket then that can only be a good thing."

New Zealand all rounder Scott Styris added: "There are so many different cultures, religions and beliefs and most countries that play cricket I would never get to visit if it wasn't for this game. Traveling to some fantastic parts of the world has been one of the highlights of my career."

To ensure that fans and families from across all communities can enjoy the game without being exposed to any prejudice, the ICC also has an anti-racism code - one of the toughest in world sport. Anyone found making racist comments will be ejected from the ground and faces a range of serious penalties, including a life-ban.

To launch ICC Diversity Day, five members of the South Africa squad, Graeme Smith, Makhaya Ntini, AB De Villiers, Gulam Bodi and Vernon Philander, will visit Jeppe High School near Johannesburg from 1030 to 1130 on Wednesday 12 September.

Please contact michaelo@cricket.co.za if you wish to attend.

On Thursday 13 September, members of the Pakistan squad will visit a school in Durban to promote ICC Diversity Day from 1400 to 1445. Further details on this event will be released shortly.