Usain Bolt discloses his team allegiance at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Usain Bolt discloses his team allegiance at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Festus Chuma 19:26 - 25.04.2024

Usain Bolt has been named ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and is set to promote cricket in the West Indies and USA.

Jamaican track and field legend Usain Bolt was yesterday announced as an ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 set to take place in the West Indies and the USA this summer.

As an eight-time Olympic gold medallist, Bolt is no stranger to the spotlight, and his deep roots in cricket make him a natural fit for this role.

 Before turning to athletics, Bolt grew up playing cricket, and it was his high school cricket coach who encouraged him to pursue track and field.

"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," Bolt said during the announcement on the ICC website.

Bolt’s responsibilities as ambassador include promoting the tournament and making a cameo appearance in the official anthem music video alongside iconic artists like Sean Paul and Kes.

He will also attend matches and engage with fans, both in the West Indies and the United States.

While Bolt’s allegiance to his roots is clear, his role extends beyond mere fandom. He sees this tournament as a pivotal moment for cricket, especially as it seeks to gain a foothold in the American sports market. 

"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," Bolt added.

The tournament, running from June 1-29, will kick off with a match between co-host USA and Canada at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Bolt’s presence is expected to add a new level of excitement and bring additional media coverage, which could significantly boost cricket's profile in non-traditional markets.

As someone who has witnessed first-hand the power of sports to unite and inspire, Bolt is eager to contribute to the growth of cricket globally. 

His friendship with former West Indies opener Chris Gayle highlights his close connections to the cricket community and deepens his commitment to supporting the West Indies team.

"I will of course be supporting West Indies at the World Cup," Bolt confirmed. 

His involvement is likely to inspire both seasoned fans and new audiences making the 2024 T20 World Cup a landmark event in the sport's history.

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