Pakistan cricket legend Shahid Afridi has been announced as a tournament ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in the West Indies and the USA, according to an ICC release on Friday.
With this announcement, Afridi joins a prestigious group of ambassadors, including India’s Yuvraj Singh, “Universe Boss” Chris Gayle, and the fastest man on earth, Usain Bolt.
Afridi is closely associated with Pakistan’s most memorable moments in T20 World Cup history. He played a crucial role in their journey to the final of the inaugural tournament in 2007 and their victory in the 2009 edition.
In 2007, Afridi was named Player of the Tournament, despite Pakistan falling short to arch-rivals India in the final. However, they quickly bounced back to win the trophy in 2009, with Afridi earning Player of the Match honors in both the semi-final against South Africa and the final against Sri Lanka for his all-round performance.
Reflecting on his T20 World Cup experiences, Afridi expressed his excitement about joining the upcoming edition as a tournament ambassador. “The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup holds a special place in my heart. From being named Player of the Tournament in the inaugural edition to lifting the trophy in 2009, some of my most cherished career highlights are from competing on this stage,” said Afridi, as quoted by the ICC.
“T20 World Cups have grown significantly in recent years, and I’m thrilled to be part of this edition, which promises more teams, more matches, and even more drama than ever before. I am particularly excited about the India vs. Pakistan match on June 9. It is one of the great rivalries in sport, and New York will be the perfect stage for this unmissable encounter,” the former Pakistan skipper added.
ICC General Manager Claire Furlong also shared her thoughts on Afridi’s appointment. “Shahid competed in six ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, captaining in two and delivering a Player of the Match performance in the 2009 final. There is no one better to join our star-studded Ambassador team,” Furlong said.
“He’s a global fan favorite, and along with Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt, he will help bring fans closer to the event ahead of what promises to be the biggest T20 World Cup ever,” Furlong added.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins on June 1, with co-hosts USA taking on Canada at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
