ICC ropes in Usain Bolt as 2024 T20 World Cup ambassador

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday appointed sprint legend Usain Bolt as ambassador for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be played in the West Indies and the USA from June 1 to 29. Jamaican-born Bolt made history at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, where he won the 100m, 200m and 4x100m races in world record times. Bolt currently holds world records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m with times of 9.58 seconds, 19.19 seconds and 36.84 seconds.

Bolt was delighted with his new role when the World Cup arrived on his home soil.

“I am thrilled to be an ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Coming from the Caribbean, where cricket is a part of life, the sport has always held a special place in my heart,” Bolt said in an ICC press release.

Bolt said it will be huge for cricket to find a market in the US.

“While I support the West Indies in the WC, bringing the sport to the US is important for cricket. It is the largest sports market in the world.

“The energy we will bring to the T20 World Cup is a huge opportunity leading to the inclusion of cricket in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028,” he said.

As ambassador, Bolt will play a key role in promoting the event, starting with a special appearance at the launch of the event’s official anthem next week alongside iconic artists Sean Paul and Kes.

ICC CEO Geoff Allardice said: “Usain Bolt is a global icon, we are thrilled to have him on board as an ambassador for the T20 World Cup. His passion for cricket is well known, making him the perfect choice for this function. .”

(Except the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)