Usain Bolt, the legendary sprinter and world record holder in the 100m and 200m, has been appointed as the ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held from June 1 in the USA and the West Indies. As an ambassador, Bolt will be actively involved in promoting the tournament, starting with a cameo appearance in the official anthem music video alongside renowned artists Sean Paul and Kes. The eight-time Olympic Gold Medallist will also attend T20 World Cup matches in the West Indies and be part of fan engagement events aimed at raising awareness and enthusiasm for the sport in the United States.
Out of the 40 matches in the group stage, 16 will be played in the USA across three venues in Dallas, New York, and Florida. The highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan contest will take place in New York on June 9.
Bolt, a fervent cricket fan from the Caribbean, expressed his excitement about his new role as ambassador and his anticipation for the tournament. He said, ‘Coming from the Caribbean, where cricket is deeply embedded in our culture, the sport has always held a special place in my heart. I am thrilled to support the West Indies at the World Cup and contribute to the growth of cricket globally. While I will be cheering for the West Indies, introducing the sport to the United States is a significant step for cricket. With the T20 World Cup, we aim to bring the energy and excitement of the sport to the biggest market in the world, paving the way for cricket’s inclusion in the LA Olympics in 2028.’
The ICC Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Allardice, expressed their delight in securing Bolt as the global brand ambassador, highlighting his iconic status and potential to connect with a new generation of cricket fans. He said, ‘Usain Bolt is a global icon, and we are honored to have him on board as an Ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. His passion for cricket, combined with his world-renowned achievements and charismatic personality, make him the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that he will bring an added level of excitement and engagement to the World Cup.’
Bolt currently holds the world records in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay with exceptional times of 9.58 seconds, 19.19 seconds, and 36.84 seconds, respectively. His record-breaking journey began in 2008 when he set a new 100m world record of 9.72 seconds in New York. He then lowered it further to 9.69 seconds at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and achieved his ultimate record of 9.58 seconds at the 2009 Berlin World Championships. Notably, he holds the top three fastest 100m times ever recorded, with 9.58, 9.64, and 9.69 seconds.
