New Delhi, Jul 29 (IANS): On the occasion of Global Tiger Day, Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals kicked-off an awareness campaign for tiger conservation with WWF India.

This collaboration brings together WWF India and Delhi Capitals, who will work closely together to activate the cricketing community to build awareness about the need for tiger conservation in India, a statement said.

Speaking on the occasion, Delhi Capitals CEO Dhiraj Malhotra said: "Tigers being integral to our team identity and DNA, Delhi Capitals is happy to stand for the cause of tiger conservation in collaboration with WWF India. This cause needs constant momentum and sharing of knowledge and we hope our collective efforts will bring about more awareness and participation towards the cause of securing our tigers."

Ravi Singh, secretary general and CEO, WWF India said: "Tigers embody power, agility and grace, traits valued by sportspersons across the world. It gives us great pleasure to see this iconic big cat now represented on the field by Delhi Capitals. We are confident that this partnership with Delhi Capitals will take the message of tiger conservation to a larger audience, inspiring them to further the cause of protecting our national animal and its habitats."

WWF India has been working to further tiger conservation in the country for almost five decades now through securing tiger habitats in India, increasing the involvement of local communities as stewards of conservation and through the "Bagh Mitras" program and supporting research initiatives to protect these big cats from existing and potential threats.