#CNN: ‘They’re no longer invisible’

By Nanthakumar Victor Emmanuel, P.Eng on May 10, 2019 • ( 0 )

190508153958-cricket-world-cup-trophy-india-exlarge-169

At just 17-years-old, Nagalakshmi has been through more than most.

Born in India, the avid cricketer grew up in care homes in Chennai after her parents felt unable to look after her and she endured a childhood void of safety and stability.

Moving between temporary houses, the teenager pined for an education but was instead faced with difficulties from the other children in care.

But now, through sport, Nagalakshmi has finally found her voice.

Representing India South, she was one of 80 young people participating in the Street Child Cricket World Cup — an event which invited street children from across the world to take part in an international cricket tournament in the UK.

Former England bowler Monty Panesar attended the event as an ambassador for Street Child United and hoped cricket could be a driver for change for the children.

“I think cricket is a powerful tool and you can see how this charity is helping kids get off the streets globally,” said the 37-year-old, who has 167 Test wickets for England.

“Cricket has done wonderful things for me and it’s great that these children are getting this opportunity that they probably won’t get again in their lifetime.

“We are sometimes fortunate for what we have in our lives but to see these kids loving it is so refreshing.”

England player Siraj Qazi (R) said the tournament “showed the children how talented they are.”

As the participants celebrated their achievements, an emotional Wroe was confident that the World Cup was an effective way of improving the lives of millions of children.

“Ultimately, I want no child to be living on the streets anywhere in the world. This can help start that and bring change about. It’s going to happen country by country, we’ve already has some great results in Pakistan and India,” he said.

“What this does is get people from their country on their side, to make them be proud of these children so they’re no longer invisible. They are wearing their countries shirt at Lord’s in a World Cup. It will make people take responsibility.”