Usain Bolt named T20 World Cup 2024 ambassador: Will be supporting West Indies

Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt was named as the ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be played from June 1 in the USA and the West Indies.

The multiple Olympic champion and world record holder in 100m and 200m, a cricket fan, said he would be supporting the West Indies and that he is delighted to a tournament of such magnitude to be held in the United States.

As an ambassador, Bolt will play a key role in promoting the event, starting with a cameo appearance in next week’s release of the event’s official anthem music video alongside iconic 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 promoting the sport within the United States.

16 of the 40 matches in the group stage will be played in the USA across 3 venues in Dallas, New York and Florida. The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan contest will be played in New York on June 9.

“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, and I look forward to attending West Indies matches at the World Cup and making a contribution to the growth of cricket globally,” Usain Bolt said.

“While I will of course be supporting West Indies at the World Cup, getting the sport into the US is big for cricket. It’s the biggest sports market in the world and the energy that we will bring for the T20 World Cup is a huge opportunity leading towards cricket’s inclusion in the LA Olympics in 2028.”

‘THRILLED TO HAVE GLOBAL ICON ON BOARD’
The global cricket body said it was thrilled to sign a global icon like Usain Bolt as brand ambassador and it will help them engage with a newer generation of fans.

“Usain Bolt is a global icon, we are thrilled to have him on board as an Ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 to engage with a new generation of fans. His passion for cricket is well known, making him the perfect fit for this role. Alongside his world record-breaking achievements and energetic personality, he will add another exciting element to the World Cup,” ICC Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Allardice said.

Bolt currently holds world records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m with times of 9.58 secs, 19.19 secs and 36.84 secs. His first world record was in the 100m in 2008 when he posted a time of 9.72 secs in New York. He lowered it to 9.69 secs at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and then to 9.58 secs at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. He holds the three fastest times ever run: 9.58, 9.64 and 9.69 seconds.