ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has been named ambassador for the highly anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, to be held in the West Indies and the USA.
He joins an illustrious group of ambassadors, including India stalwart Yuvraj Singh, ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle, and the fastest man on earth, Usain Bolt.
Afridi is synonymous with Pakistan’s most memorable moments in T20 World Cup history. He was instrumental in their journey to the finals of the inaugural tournament in 2007 and their victory in the 2009 edition.
Afridi came through in the clutch for Pakistan in both those years; he was the player of the tournament in the 2007 edition, where they fell to arch-rivals India in the final hurdle. However, they were quick to put the loss behind them and got their hands on the trophy in the next edition, where Afridi was the player of the match for his all-round performance against South Africa in the semi-final and final. Sri Lanka.
The former Pakistan captain recalled his memories of the T20 World Cup and expressed his happiness to join the upcoming edition as the tournament ambassador.
Afridi said that the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart. “From being Player of the Tournament in the inaugural edition to lifting the trophy in 2009, some of my favorite career highlights have come from competing on this stage.
“The T20 World Cup has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and I am excited to be a part of this edition, where we will see more teams, more matches, and even more drama than ever before.
Read More: Construction Project fraud case; Shahid Afridi among 10 booked in case
“I am particularly excited to watch the India vs. Pakistan match on June 9. It is one of the great rivalries of the game, and New York will be a fitting stage for this undefeated contest between two great teams.
Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager, Marketing and Communications, added: “Shahid has featured in six ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, including two as captain and a Player of the Match performance to win the trophy in 2009, so who better to join our All-Star Ambassador Team?
“He is a fan favorite around the world, and along with Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt, fans will be brought closer to what is set to be the biggest T20 World Cup ever.”
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will begin on June 1 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, with Canada as co-hosts.