Children bear brunt of AIDS, says Pakistan cricketer Younis Khan

© UNICEF video

Pakistan cricketer Younis Khan supports Unite for Children. Unite against AIDS.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 has teamed up with Unite for Children. Unite against AIDS. Here is one in a series of 10 profiles of well known cricketers who are supporting the campaign.

YOUNIS KHAN is a batsman full of extravagance and thrilling strokeplay accumulating his runs with a mixture of fearlessness and application.

After an early career in and out of the Pakistan national team, Younis Khan has now established himself as a potential future Pakistan captain.

When asked, this effervescent and sincere leader was only too happy to join the International Cricket Council, UNAIDS and UNICEF in promoting the Unite for Children. Unite against Aids campaign.

At the recent ICC Champions Trophy in India, Younis Khan sent a heartfelt message about HIV and AIDS.

"HIV/AIDS affects all people but especially children. For poor children, when they lose their parents, it is very hard for them so my message to my fans is to please take care of yourselves and please think of your children,” he said.

Care and protection

"These people are human beings. Don't forget them. We must care about them and protect them. It's a big world but please don't forget them," he added.

Younis Khan bats in the pivotal position of number three for Pakistan. He's arguably the most effective batsman in that position that Pakistan have had for some time. His 267 against India in 2005 was just one highlight in a career which shows signs of rocketing ever skywards.

He was also the stand-in captain in that series and his exuberance and tactical brilliance caught the eye.

He is a player of boundless energy and invention and he'll be taking the message of Unite for Children. Unite against Aids to the ICC Cricket World Cup in the West Indies this year with all his typical enthusiasm.

Written and produced by Mont Tombleson