Jamaican icon Usain Bolt has been appointed as the ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be co-hosted by the USA and West Indies in June. With a legendary career in athletics and multiple world records in sprinting events, Bolt is expected to play a significant role in promoting the upcoming tournament. The eight-time Olympic gold medallist will even make a cameo appearance in the music video for the event’s official anthem featuring Sean Paul and Kes.
Expressing his excitement, Bolt shared, “I am thrilled to be an ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Cricket has always been a beloved sport in the Caribbean, and I am honored to be part of such a prestigious tournament. I look forward to bringing my energy and enthusiasm to the World Cup and contributing to the global growth of cricket.”
Although cricket was Bolt’s first love growing up, he ended up pursuing a career in athletics after being encouraged by his high school cricket coach. However, his passion for the sport has never waned, and he maintains a close friendship with Caribbean cricket legend Chris Gayle. Bolt expressed his enthusiasm for attending West Indies matches during the World Cup, highlighting the special place of cricket in Caribbean culture.
Bolt also emphasized the significance of hosting the tournament in the USA, viewing it as a stepping stone towards cricket’s potential return to the Olympics in LA 2028. Recognizing the massive sports market in the US, Bolt sees the T20 World Cup as a valuable opportunity to showcase cricket to a broader audience and pave the way for the sport’s inclusion in future Olympic Games. Bolt concluded by expressing his admiration for Olympic achievements and the joy of standing on the podium as a gold medalist.
Cricket was Bolt’s first love growing up but he ended up pursuing his career in athletics after being encouraged by his high school coach. However, his passion for cricket has never waned and he maintains a close friendship with Caribbean cricket legend Chris Gayle.
With multiple world records under his belt and eight Olympic gold medals, Usain Bolt is no stranger to success on track or off it. Now he is set to take on another challenge – that of promoting international cricket at its highest level.
Bolt has been named as an ambassador for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 which will see two hosts – USA and West Indies – play host to one of biggest cricketing tournaments ever held.
As someone who grew up playing cricket before finding success on track, Bolt brings with him not only star power but also personal experience of what makes this sport so special.
“I’m thrilled about being involved with this tournament,” said Bolt.
“Cricket has always been important to me – it’s where I started out before moving into athletics.”
“But even though my focus now is running rather than hitting sixes or fours,” added Bolt,
“I still have such affection for this sport.”
