Road Safety World Series: Cricket Legends Promoting Safer Roads
The Road Safety World Series (RSWS) is an international T20 cricket tournament featuring retired cricketing icons from India, Australia, South Africa, and other nations. Organized in partnership with the Government of India’s Road Safety Cell, the series blends competitive cricket with crucial road safety awareness campaigns across India.
Why the Road Safety World Series Matters
India accounts for over 11% of global road accident deaths annually. The RSWS directly addresses this crisis by leveraging cricket’s popularity to spread awareness. Former players actively promote helmet usage, seatbelt compliance, avoiding drunk driving, and adhering to speed limits through match-day campaigns and community outreach.
Teams and Star Players in RSWS 2024
- India Legends: Led by Sachin Tendulkar (2020-22) and now captained by Yuvraj Singh. Features stalwarts like Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and Irfan Pathan.
- Sri Lanka Legends: Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan
- Australia Legends: Brett Lee, Shane Watson
- South Africa Legends: Jonty Rhodes, Jacques Kallis
- West Indies Legends: Brian Lara, Dwayne Smith
Tournament Format and India’s Performance
The RSWS follows a round-robin format with playoffs. India Legends won the inaugural 2020-21 title, defeating Sri Lanka Legends in the final. Subsequent editions saw competitive performances from all teams, with matches held at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, Kanpur’s Green Park, and other Indian venues.
Where to Watch Road Safety World Series in India
- TV Broadcast: Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 3)
- Live Streaming: JioCinema, SonyLIV app
- Highlights: Official RSWS YouTube channel
Road Safety Campaigns Beyond Cricket
During matches, organizers distribute helmets, conduct pledge drives, and showcase road safety videos. The #RoadSafetyPledge campaign encourages fans to commit to traffic rules. State governments collaborate with RSWS to amplify messaging through:
- School awareness programs
- Free helmet distribution drives
- Social media challenges
Latest Updates: RSWS 2024
The 2024 season is scheduled for September-October, with India Legends aiming to reclaim the title. Recent squad additions include Yusuf Pathan and Naman Ojha. Fans can expect matches in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Raipur.
How RSWS Impacts Road Safety Metrics
Post-tournament surveys indicate:
- 22% increase in helmet sales in host cities
- 18% rise in traffic rule compliance during campaign months
- Over 50 million social media impressions per season
Engage with Road Safety World Series
- Tickets: BookMyShow
- Player Interactions: Follow official Instagram (@roadsafetyworldseries)
- Road Safety Resources: Visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways website
Cricket remains a powerful tool for social change in India. The Road Safety World Series proves that even retired legends can drive meaningful impact – both on and off the field.
