UN praises ICC for social responsibility

United Nation (UN) have lavished praise on the ICC for its commitment towards social responsibility and said the cricket governing body's effort to use the game to promote peace, development and understanding has been commendable.

"The work of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in promoting development and peace objectives through the game of cricket is commendable," said Wilfried Lemke, Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary General on Sport for Development and Peace.

Lemke, who met ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat last week, said, "It was fantastic to learn about cricket and the huge reach the sport has in diverse communities around the world.

"The work of the ICC in promoting development and peace objectives through the game of cricket is commendable and I look forward to working with the ICC to help facilitate their programmes in the future."

During the meeting, Lorgat briefed Lemke on the progress of the game, which now reaches out to 104 members, including Afghanistan, which has risen from World Cricket League Division 5 to the top tier of the competition.

"The ICC will continue to foster its relationships so that cricket continues to play its role in contributing towards promoting social development and peace," Lorgat said.

Lorgat and Lemke discussed the scope of the 'Think Wise' programme and the ICC's partnership with UNAIDS, UNICEF and the Global Media AIDS Initiative (GMAI) to help raise awareness and reduce stigma around HIV/AIDS.