The Election Commission (EC) has designated the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar as its “national icon” in an effort to increase voter participation in the electoral process. Bharat Ratna recipient Tendulkar signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding in front of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Wednesday at a ceremony in New Delhi. As part of his three-year contract, Tendulkar must raise voter awareness.
“Our future voters are very important we are the largest democracy on earth and it’s our responsibility to vote. It’s a responsibility that shouldn’t be Ignored. When I started playing for India I was only 16 years old, all players are from different cultures and that makes us strong. The Cricket World Cup is in October….. people have blocked their calendars for it but we didn’t see the same enthusiasm during voting days. I request you please go out and vote,” Tendulkar said at the event on Wednesday.
The collaboration aims to address the problems caused by urban and youth voter disengagement, as acknowledged by the Election Commission (EC).
The goal of this initiative is to boost voter turnout and encourage civic engagement, especially during the upcoming general elections in 2024.
The most of any player, 200 Tests were played for India by Sachin. He amassed 15,921 runs with a 53.78 average, 51 centuries, 68 half-centuries, and a top score of 248*. The master has participated in 463 ODIs and amassed 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83 and an 86.23 strike rate. In the format, he achieved 96 fifties and 49 centuries, with a top score of 200*. He is the first player to ever score a double hundred in an ODI. He has the most runs scored in either format in history. Tendulkar amassed 34,357 runs in 664 games at an average of 48.52, a strike rate of over 67, 100 centuries, and 164 fifty-sevens. In the annals of international cricket, he has scored the most runs.