Pakistan names its former cricket captain as tournament ambassador for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan’s legendary cricketer Shahid Afridi was announced as the latest tournament ambassador for the epic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 to be held in West Indies and USA.
He joins a prestigious group of ambassadors, which includes India legend Yuvraj Singh, ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle and the fastest man on earth Usain Bolt.
The most unforgettable moments in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup history are inextricably linked to Afridi. He was instrumental in both their run to the 2007 tournament final and their triumph in the 2009 version.
Afridi came in the clutch for Pakistan in both those years – he was Player of the Tournament in the 2007 edition, where they lost to arch-rivals India at the final hurdle.
However, they quickly forgot that defeat and lifted the trophy in the next edition, where Afridi was the Player of the Match for his all-round performances in both the semi-finals and final against South Africa. Sri Lanka.
The former Pakistan captain cherished his memories of the T20 World Cup and expressed his delight at joining the upcoming edition as the tournament’s ambassador.
“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart,” said Afridi. “From being Player of the Tournament in the inaugural edition to lifting the trophy in 2009, some of my favourite career highlights have come from competing on this stage.
“T20 World Cups have gone from strength to strength in recent years, and I’m thrilled to be part of this edition, where we will see more teams, more matches and even more drama than ever before.
“I am particularly excited to witness the India v Pakistan fixture on 9 June. It is one of the great rivalries in sport and New York will be a fitting stage for this unmissable encounter between two great teams.”
Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager – Marketing and Communications, added: “Shahid competed in six ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, two of which as captain and delivering a Player of the Match performance when winning the trophy in 2009, so who better to join our all-star Ambassador team.
“He’s a fan favourite around the world and alongside Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle and eight-time Olympic gold-medallist Usain Bolt, will be bringing fans closer to the event ahead of what is set to be the biggest T20 World Cup ever.”
Co-hosts USA and Canada will play in the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on June 1 at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: All Teams Squads for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024
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