Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar has been named a Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Tendulkar, the most popular Indian sportsperson in the last two decades, will use his global popularity to raise awareness and harness support for environmental action in India and around the world, the UNEP said in a statement on Thursday.
"I have played and enjoyed my cricket across the planet. Now it is also time to do something for the planet, which is our only home," he said.
"Being part of the effort to save the planet is an immense undertaking but it is a challenge I am ready to undertake. Working with UNEP and cricket fans across the globe, I am in good company. Together we can do it."
The agency’s Executive Director, Achim Steiner, said that Tendulkar’s "character, personal integrity, intellect and profile will catalyze widespread environmental action."
Year 2010 is the UN’s International Year of Biodiversity, and Tendulkar will work with the agency to boost the global and grassroots response to the loss of animal and plant diversity worldwide.
Tendulkar will lead a Green Pledge to save the planet when the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off its third season in Mumbai on Friday. The vow that he will make in front of the millions of fans reads, "The Earth is our home and together we must conserve our precious wildlife, forests and oceans. I am proud to pledge that I will play my part in caring for our natural heritage."
The master batsman is no stranger to the work of the UN, having lent his voice to a UNICEF campaign in India on the importance of personal hygiene.
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