The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Olympic legend Usain Bolt as an ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the US from June 1 to 29.
The announcement, made by an ICC press release, comes just weeks before the commencement of cricket’s largest T20 event, which is expected to inspire a new generation of fans.
Bolt’s worldwide appeal, coupled with his remarkable athletic achievements and ability to transcend boundaries, makes him an ideal choice for the monumental T20 World Cup.
The former Jamaican sprint sensation made history at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro by clinching three gold medals at three consecutive Olympics.
His journey to global stardom began at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, where he set world records in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m events.
Bolt currently holds world records in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m with times of 9.58 seconds, 19.19 seconds, and 36.84 seconds, respectively.
As an ambassador, Bolt will play a significant role in promoting the event, starting with a cameo appearance in the official anthem music video alongside renowned artists Sean Paul and Kes, set to be released next week.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Bolt stated, “Coming from the Caribbean, where cricket is ingrained in our culture, the sport has always held a special place in my heart.
I eagerly anticipate attending West Indies matches at the World Cup and contributing to the global growth of cricket.”
“While my support will naturally be with West Indies at the World Cup, the opportunity to introduce the sport to the US market is monumental for cricket.
With the energy we’ll bring to the T20 World Cup, it presents a significant opportunity towards cricket’s inclusion in the LA Olympics in 2028,” added the 37-year-old.
