Shahid Afridi named among T20 World Cup 2024 ambassadors

Shahid Afridi, the cricketing legend renowned for his explosive batting and electrifying performances, has been appointed as one of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 ambassadors. This prestigious appointment further solidifies Afridi’s iconic status in the cricketing world.

List of T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassadors

The T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the picturesque venues of the West Indies and the vibrant landscapes of the USA, promises to be a spectacular event blending cricketing prowess with cultural diversity. Afridi joins an illustrious group of ambassadors, including India’s Yuvraj Singh, the Caribbean maestro Chris Gayle, and the lightning-fast sprinter Usain Bolt, adding to the tournament’s allure.

Afridi’s legacy in T20 cricket speaks volumes, notably leading Pakistan to victory in the 2009 T20 World Cup and playing a pivotal role in their runner-up finish in 2007. His remarkable performances earned him the Player of the Tournament title in the inaugural 2007 edition, alongside being named Player of the Match in both the semi-final and final of the 2009 tournament.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Afridi emphasized the anticipation surrounding the India vs. Pakistan clash on June 9, marking it as a pivotal fixture in the tournament’s calendar. He lauded New York as the ideal venue for such a high-stakes encounter, acknowledging the fervent support of cricket fans in the city.

“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, the ICC General Manager, commended Afridi’s immense contributions to T20 cricket and recognized his widespread popularity among fans worldwide. Afridi’s involvement as an ambassador aims to bring fans closer to the excitement and thrill of the tournament, which is anticipated to be the largest ever.

“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,” the ICC General Manager Marketing and Communications, Claire Furlong, added.

“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.”

With Afridi’s charismatic presence and unparalleled achievements, his role as an ambassador is poised to elevate the visibility and excitement surrounding the 2024 T20 World Cup, uniting cricketing legends and a sporting icon like Usain Bolt for a truly unforgettable event.