The International Cricket Council (ICC), the global governing body of cricket, has appointed the legendary Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi as the brand ambassador for the upcoming 9th ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This highly anticipated tournament will be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States of America from 1st to 29th June 2024.
Afridi joins an esteemed group of brand ambassadors, including Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, West Indian icon Chris Gayle, and Jamaican sprinting legend Usain Bolt. Their roles will be to promote the World Cup event, attend matches, and engage with fans to promote cricket within the United States.
The Curtain Raiser
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will commence on 1st June, with the host nation USA taking on Canada at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. The marquee clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is scheduled for 9th June in New York, promising to be a thrilling encounter.
Shahid Afridi: The Explosive All-Rounder
Nicknamed ‘Lala,’ Shahid Afridi was an explosive batsman and a skilful leg-spinner. His aggressive batting style was perfectly suited for the limited-overs formats, especially the T20 format.
T20 World Cup Exploits
Afridi’s exploits in the T20 World Cup are legendary. He was the Player of the Tournament in the inaugural edition in 2007, held in South Africa, where Pakistan narrowly lost the final to India.
In the 2nd T20 World Cup in 2009, Afridi played a crucial role in Pakistan’s victory. He was the Man of the Match in both the semi-final against South Africa and the final against Sri Lanka.
Afridi has participated in a staggering six ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, captaining the side in two editions. His experience and achievements make him an ideal ambassador for the upcoming tournament.
Promoting Cricket in the USA
As brand ambassadors, Afridi and his fellow icons will play a pivotal role in promoting cricket within the United States. Their presence is expected to generate significant interest and excitement among the American audience, potentially leading to the growth of the sport in the country.
With the T20 World Cup being co-hosted by the USA, this presents a unique opportunity to showcase the game’s brilliance and captivate a new audience. Afridi’s involvement will undoubtedly contribute to the event’s success and further solidify cricket’s global appeal.
