‘Always good to put a smile on kids' faces’ – Kesrick Williams
“It’s always good to put a smile on kids’ faces. They are the future,” says Kesrick Williams, the Windies paceman, standing a short distance away from a bunch of excited kids, as some members of his team played their part in the ICC’s Cricket for Good campaign.
The ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 is in full flow, but amid all the high-pressure competition, the players have taken time off to engage with children around Zimbabwe.
“It’s definitely a great initiative to come out for these kids. They’re very lucky to get such opportunities,” says Chirag Suri, the United Arab Emirates batsman. “Me growing up, we used to relish such opportunities, when you got to rub shoulders with international cricketers. Even if it’s not for a long time, you really enjoy the experience. This is something that stays with you for a lifetime. Not only does it motivate you, it encourages you to take on the game. I think it’s a great platform for the kids.”
But as Ireland all-rounder Kevin O'Brien says, it wasn’t as if the cricketers were merely fulfilling obligations. “It’s a great option for us to come out after training, take our mind off the important stuff, and have some fun here. Have a bit of a run-around, and a bit of a laugh with the kids who are so enthusiastic.”
As international cricketers, it’s part of the players’ responsibility to ensure that the future of the game is secure. Engaging with children is a way to do that. “It provides inspiration to some of the kids,” adds O’Brien. “Some of our players have come from situations like this, little blitzes around Ireland and mini-cricket and stuff like that. It helps kids get a bit of inspiration to go on and continue the game. Try and become better cricketers, and ultimately play for the national side someday.”
Some, like Williams, had so much fun that he was left considering another go. “It was brilliant. It’s always good to have fun with the kids,” says Williams. “The kids came out here today, and they expected to have fun. And I decided, ‘You know what – I’m going to make them leave with a smile on their face’, knowing these West Indies players are fun. A couple of them asked me when I was coming back!”
Williams was visibly pleased with himself. Cricket for Good, it seems, isn’t just for the young ones.