The preamble to the Laws of Cricket states:
“Cricket is an exciting game that encourages leadership, friendship and teamwork, bringing together people of different nationalities, cultures and religions, especially when played in the spirit of cricket.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board and the Game’s organizations have reaffirmed their commitment to this statement and to maintaining the highest standards of integrity to eliminate discrimination, advance equal opportunity and foster good good relationships between different people in the design and delivery of their activities.
As leaders of different faiths and communities, we support this commitment and are united in our desire to work with the ECB and the game of cricket at large to bring about change and demonstrate cricket’s ability to unite people and communities. from different backgrounds.
“Guidance for mankind since the word ‘READ’ was first revealed in the Quran over 1400 years later, we realize that equality for other human beings is a great social issue in the world today.
“Cricket, what an amazing sport, a fantastic way to develop skills, to bring unity, strategy, leadership, understanding across borders across race, religion and faith. I salute and pledge to uphold this statement of unity that will bring about change and a better future for all.
Mufti Yusuf Akudi – Imam, Heaven Help Us Cricket Club
“Religious freedom is the oldest human right. The right of which humanity has the longest experience. Playing together, like eating together. helps break down barriers, reminding us of modern values of tolerance, pluralism and open-mindedness. The cardinal principle of Sikhism, “Sarbat Dha Bhalla” (Peace and Good Tidings to All), reminds us of our common humanity and that we are not alone – and a value that our coming together in sport ultimately embodies. »
Professor Satvinder Juss, Sikh Faith
“With Archbishop Welby’s blessing, cricket has been a unifying tool that has brought both ecumenical and interfaith engagement that has been innovative and life-changing. From cricket programs in prisons for young offenders to cricket played in the Vatican, the power of the sport has enabled religious communities to set aside their differences and celebrate their uniqueness in the shared love of the game that brings hope and build community.
“We continue to use cricket as a tool that builds society through unity and inclusiveness and we are proud to join our interfaith sisters and brothers in supporting this statement of unity.”
Revd Chris Kennedy – The Archbishop of Canterbury Cricket Team
“As Pope Pius XII observed in 1945, the question should not be why the Church cares about sport but: ‘How can the Church not care about sport?’ The same is true for other denominations, denominations and creeds.
“My friendly Sunday cricket club in an Oxfordshire village has Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Agnostic, Humanist and Atheist players. We expect professional gaming to be just as comprehensive.
Professor Simon Lee on behalf of HE Cardinal Vincent Nichols Archbishop of Westminster
“The Chief Rabbi’s favorite sporting analogy is that, away from the cricket pitch, we should all try to be hitters, not bowlers. While it is the batter’s job to score runs for the team, it is the bowler’s job to eliminate opponents. However, real life shouldn’t be like cricket. We should never prioritize attacking others for what they believe above pursuing what we hold dear, and we should focus on building friendships rather than belittling. and the exclusion of others.
“There is much to be gained from heeding the rabbis of the Talmud, who taught that true wisdom is each person’s ability to learn, and true heroism is the ability to turn an enemy into a friend.”
Rabbi Nicky Liss on behalf of Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis
“This Declaration of Unity sealed by prominent religious and community leaders, who have worked tirelessly and with great dedication for the betterment of society, is a beautiful and meaningful reminder to all of us of the values and power of unity, and that this beautiful game is really about building trust and developing people from all walks of life.
“I found the true meaning of cricket in a wonderful book about the purpose of life and valuing others: ‘Going Beyond Race, Culture and Nationality and Positioning Ourselves as Humans Without Boundaries , with a vital commitment to protect people and the environment; Combat discrimination in all its forms and support all forms of inclusion; Respect the differences that make us unique; And to promote interaction between people of different cultures and beliefs.
Mohammed Sadiq Patel – Founder of Heaven Help Us Cricket Club
“The spirit of playing good sports is clearly evident in the tradition and example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (as). The beloved Prophet (as) encouraged the practice of wholesome sports which require people to exercise good sportsmanship and good character.Spiritual training is the underlying strength of physical training, and sportsmen are encouraged to work hard constantly to suppress their ego, which which actually sums up the spiritual journey of a Muslim.
Gulfraz Riaz – Chairman, Asian National Cricket Council
“Use today to look carefully at yesterday to ensure that tomorrow is better for our children and children’s children.”
Lonsdale Skinner – Chairman, African Caribbean Cricket Association
“Mutual understanding and respect underpin all positive human endeavor and this is clear in the field of sport. Long may such activities bring people together to strengthen friendships, inspire us to overcome our apparent limitations and bring joy to many.
Emma Slade aka Ani Pema Deki – Buddhist nun of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage
“When you play cricket, this wonderful game, it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from or what you do, what matters is the ball thrown and the batter at bat. The playing field unites us with a common purpose on the pitch and that’s exactly what we should be doing off the pitch. When communities come together for a common ambition, we can truly make a difference and make the world a better place and that’s exactly why I support this initiative.
Chanda Vyas – Hindu priest
“Today, on this pitch, and on millions of pitches like this, we come together undivided by the colors and logos on our shirts. We come together, united by the hours of tireless effort and dedication on the path that follows us We come together, united by dedication, drive and commitment to be the best possible versions of ourselves.
Scarborough College
“We learn through play, by imitating what we see. We learn physical engagement, balance, hand-eye coordination, passion, our limits, our abilities, our likes and dislikes.
“We learn about ourselves. Equally important, we get to know each other. We all need to play. It’s in our nature to seek connection and games strengthen our minds, bodies and spirits. They strengthen our determination, our resilience and our sense of justice. They deepen our understanding of winning, losing and parity. We learn to accept responsibility for the choices we make during play.
“We are all of these things and more. We all learn through play and we all want to thrive throughout our lives, leaving an open door for everyone who follows us.
Colin Salmon, President, Green Park Foundation
“The beauty of the Unity Statement is in its simple focus on how kindness and equality speak to the heart of all belief systems, its power is that it has brought together more faith leaders than any such before that, its impact will accelerate on speaking truth to those powers and aligning their influence to make true accountability a blessing to those for whom equality can no longer remain a dream.
Raj Tulsiani – CEO, Green Park
“This statement of unity demonstrates cricket’s ability to bring people together and connect communities. Our sport can be an immense power for good. By working together, we can ensure that cricket truly is a game for everyone.
Tom Harrison, Managing Director, England & Wales Cricket Board
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