Shahid Afridi, a former all-rounder for Pakistan, has been added by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to the impressive list of ambassadors for the T20 World Cup 2024, which will take place in the USA and the West Indies starting on June 1.
Afridi is one of the ambassadors for the main event, along with Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and sprinter Usain Bolt, who has won eight gold medals at the Olympics.
Afridi, who has participated in six T20 World Cups—two of them as captain—led Pakistan to victory in 2009 with a Player of the Match performance in the championship match at Lord’s. The ICC said in a release that Afridi will be featured in a number of World Cup-related promotional activities and provide knowledgeable commentary on the competition through a series of guest columns.
“I am especially looking forward to the June 9 India vs. Pakistan match. One of the greatest rivalries in sports will take place, and New York will be a perfect venue for this must-see match between two legendary teams, Afridi continued.
“He’s a fan favourite around the world and alongside Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and eight-time Olympic gold-medalist Usain Bolt will be bringing fans closer to the event ahead of what is set to be the biggest T20 World Cup ever,” stated Claire Furlong, General Manager of the ICC for Marketing and Communications.
The first match of the T20 World Cup will take place at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas on June 1–29, with co-hosts USA against Canada.
Twenty teams will compete in a total of 55 matches at nine different locations, with the Barbados final taking place on June 29.