New Delhi, January 22:Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has been appointed United Nations Goodwill Ambassador on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for a two-year period, a senior official of the UN office here said.
“Shahid Afridi will speak out against drug abuse and promote healthy living through sports in his new role as National Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,” the official said.
Afridi, a batsman and bowler, was captain of the Pakistan cricket team from 2009 to 2011 and became an overnight sensation in 1996 when, as a 16-year-old, he made history by scoring the fastest century in a one-day international in his very first innings.
“I have never done anything by halves and I will give my all to my new role of National Goodwill Ambassador.I hate to see drugs ruin the lives of young people. If I can convince just one boy or girl to turn away from drugs I will be proud,” Afridi was quoted as having said after he was made the Goodwill Ambassador on January 18.
Afridi will promote healthy living through sports and emphasise positive values and attitudes during visits to schools and colleges.
He will also witness the impact of the work of UNODC in Pakistan and highlight the need to curb drug abuse and associated crime, the official added.
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