ICC Cricket Week: Message from the United Nations

'Dear cricket fans all over the world:

I am very happy to join you in celebrating Cricket Week. We can share our joy in everything we love about the game.

Its grace and subtlety, the premium it puts on sportsmanship, team spirit and fair play.

I was an avid cricket player when I was young so I know the games value as an educational tool.

To succeed as a batsman you need concentration and a certain inner calm - qualities that are invaluable in any walk of life, but which I find I need especially in my work as Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Also, the very essence of cricket is that both sides agree on the rules and they respect each other, which is precisely what the peoples of the world need to do if this new century is to be more peaceful and civilised than the last one.

All of us know what is not cricket. Racism, prejudice, intolerance and hostile behaviour.

We know that what unites us - the love of the game - is far more important than what separates us. So let us resolve to live our lives as good cricketers both on the field and off it.

On behalf of the United Nations, I wish all players and lovers of cricket a very happy Cricket Week wherever you are.'

Kofi Annan,
Secretary-General, United Nations
February 2000