The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed sprint legend Usain Bolt as the ambassador for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the United States from June 1 to 29.
Bolt, a native of Jamaica, made history at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing by winning the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m races in world record times. He currently holds world records in these events with times of 9.58 seconds, 19.19 seconds, and 36.84 seconds respectively.
Bolt expressed his excitement about his new role, particularly as the World Cup will be held in his home region. He stated that cricket holds a special place in his heart as it is an integral part of Caribbean culture. Bolt emphasized the significance of expanding cricket’s reach into the United States, highlighting the country’s immense sports market. He believes that the energy generated by the T20 World Cup will be instrumental in promoting cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
As an ambassador, Bolt will actively promote the event, commencing with a cameo appearance in the upcoming release of the tournament’s official anthem alongside renowned artists Sean Paul and Kes. ICC Chief Executive Officer Geoff Allardice welcomed Bolt’s appointment, describing him as a global icon and a perfect fit for the role given his passion for cricket.
