Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi as the ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Afridi, a veteran of six T20 World Cups, including two as captain, played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s triumphant 2009 campaign, where he was named “Player of the Match” in the final at Lord’s. Now, he joins an illustrious group of ambassadors, which includes India’s Yuvraj Singh, West Indies’ Chris Gayle, and the fastest man on earth, Usain Bolt.
In an ICC media release, Afridi expressed his excitement: “The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is very close to my heart. From being the ‘Player of the Tournament’ in the early stages to lifting the trophy in 2009, some of the most significant moments of my career have unfolded on this global stage. As an ambassador, I look forward to witnessing more teams, more matches, and even greater excitement than ever before.”
Afridi’s impact extends beyond the field. He was the second-highest run-scorer for Pakistan in the 2009 tournament in England, amassing 176 runs with two half-centuries at an impressive strike rate of 140. His experience and insights will undoubtedly enrich the T20 World Cup experience for fans and players alike.
One fixture that Afridi eagerly anticipates is the clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on June 9. “This is one of the greatest rivalries in sport,” he remarked. “And New York provides the perfect stage to host this thrilling encounter between the two teams.”
As the T20 World Cup approaches, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the action, and with Shahid Afridi as the ambassador, the excitement is bound to reach new heights. Let the games begin!
