International cricket prepares for World Aids Day

The international cricket world will show support for people living with HIV on Thursday, as part of the World Aids Day celebrations, held every year on 1 December, by wearing red ribbons on their playing shirts.

Players in the Australia-New Zealand and Bangladesh-Pakistan matches will wear red ribbons, the global symbol of support for people living with HIV, as part of the ICC's Think Wise campaign, which has been run in collaboration with UNAIDS and UNICEF since 2003.

Australia batsman Mike Hussey said: "It is important that cricket players use their profile to deliver messages on important social issues and help reduce stigma and discrimination towards those living with HIV as part of the Think Wise campaign. At all major ICC events and on days such as World Aids Day, by wearing red ribbons on our shirts I think we are sending a powerful message across the world that we are showing support for people living with HIV."

Ross Taylor, who has visited HIV prevention projects in the West Indies and South Africa, added: "I think that by wearing red ribbons on our shirts, we are sending a powerful message that the international cricket community believes that you should show support for people living with HIV and not discriminate against them. Having visited HIV prevention projects, as part of the Think Wise initiative, at ICC events, I know what valuable work organisations such as UNAIDS and UNICEF do to help community groups across the world."

Shakib Al Hasan, who is a Think Wise Ambassador, added: "I feel privileged to be a part of this global campaign to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic. I also believe that through the power of cricket we are slowly but surely making a significant contribution in the fight against stigma and discrimination. However, we will only be able to call our endeavour a success if every World AIDS Day sees a drop in the percentage of direct and indirect infections and more tolerance towards PLHIV. I call upon fellow cricketers who are national and international icons to get involved and and save generations."

Other activities have taken place at grass-roots level to mark World Aids Day, including the Maasai Cricket Warriors in Kenya helping support a Think Wise schools tournament aimed at raising awareness of HIV prevention.