IND vs ENG: ICC to Unveil 'Donate Organs, Save Lives' Initiative During 3rd ODI

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to introduce a noble initiative, ‘Donate Organs, Save Lives’, to raise awareness about organ donation. The announcement was made by ICC Chief Jay Shah on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.

The initiative will be officially launched on February 12, 2025, during the third and final ODI of the India vs England series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The campaign aims to leverage the power of cricket to spread awareness and encourage people to pledge for organ donation.

Jay Shah’s Message on Organ Donation

In his post, Jay Shah highlighted how sports can bring people together and create a lasting impact beyond the field. He urged cricket fans and individuals to take the crucial step of pledging for organ donation, emphasizing that one decision can save multiple lives.

He shared his thoughts, saying:

"On the occasion of the 3rd ODI between India and England in Ahmedabad on February 12, we are proud to launch an awareness initiative, ‘Donate Organs, Save Lives.’ Sport has the power to inspire, unite, and create a lasting impact beyond the field. Through this initiative, we urge everyone to take a step towards giving the greatest gift of all—the gift of life. One pledge, one decision, can save multiple lives. Let’s come together and make a difference.”

This initiative aligns with the ICC’s vision of using cricket as a platform to drive meaningful social change.

Cricket’s Role in Social Causes

Cricket has often been used as a platform for promoting social awareness campaigns worldwide. Over the years, international cricket boards have partnered with charities to support various causes. The Pink Test in Australia, held annually at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), is a notable example, supporting breast cancer awareness. Similarly, England’s ‘Red for Ruth’ initiative raises awareness about widow support programs.

Sunil Gavaskar’s Plea to BCCI for Charity Days

Following the Pink Test between India and Australia during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar urged the BCCI to dedicate a day in their annual cricket calendar for charity.

Gavaskar pointed out that while the BCCI runs multiple charity programs, they are not widely publicized. He believes making these initiatives public would enhance their impact and also help cricket grow as a sport in India and globally.

He said, “The BCCI does a lot of charity work, but not many people know about it. If we publicize it, it will encourage more people to contribute and also help the game of cricket gain more recognition worldwide.”

The Importance of Organ Donation Awareness

Organ donation is a life-saving act that can help patients suffering from critical organ failures. However, awareness and willingness to donate organs remain low in many countries, including India. The ICC’s ‘Donate Organs, Save Lives’ campaign aims to address this issue by encouraging millions of cricket fans to make a difference.

The initiative could also pave the way for more sports-driven awareness campaigns in the future, setting a precedent for using cricket as a tool for social impact.

Conclusion

The launch of ‘Donate Organs, Save Lives’ during the IND vs ENG 3rd ODI is a commendable step by the ICC to raise awareness about organ donation. With cricket’s immense popularity in India and worldwide, the initiative is expected to reach a vast audience and encourage people to take the pledge for organ donation.

As cricket continues to grow beyond the sport, such initiatives demonstrate how it can serve as a catalyst for social change, making a positive difference in millions of lives.