Shahid Afridi: The New Tournament Ambassador for Men’s T20 World Cup 2024
Shahid Afridi, the legendary cricketer from Pakistan, has been unveiled as the latest tournament ambassador for the highly anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to take place in the West Indies and USA.
Afridi will be joining an esteemed group of ambassadors, which includes Indian cricket icon Yuvraj Singh, the ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle, and the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt.
Known for his significant contributions to Pakistan’s most unforgettable moments in T20 World Cup history, Afridi played a crucial role in leading the team to the final in the inaugural tournament in 2007 and their victory in the 2009 edition.
Afridi proved to be a game-changer for Pakistan in both those years. He was named Player of the Tournament in 2007, where they narrowly lost to their arch-rivals India in the final. However, they quickly bounced back to clinch the trophy in the next edition, with Afridi delivering Player of the Match performances in both the semi-final against South Africa and the final against Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on his memories of the T20 World Cup, the former Pakistan captain expressed his excitement about joining the upcoming edition as a tournament ambassador.
“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart,” Afridi stated. “From being Player of the Tournament in the inaugural edition to lifting the trophy in 2009, some of my favourite career highlights have come from competing on this stage.
“T20 World Cups have gone from strength to strength in recent years, and I’m thrilled to be part of this edition, where we will see more teams, more matches and even more drama than ever before.
“I am particularly excited to witness the India v Pakistan fixture on 9 June. It is one of the great rivalries in sport and New York will be a fitting stage for this unmissable encounter between two great teams.”
WT20 Lookback – Shahid Afridi in 2009
Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager – Marketing and Communications, added: “Shahid competed in six ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, two of which as captain and delivering a Player of the Match performance when winning the trophy in 2009, so who better to join our all-star Ambassador team.
“He’s a fan favourite around the world and alongside Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle and eight-time Olympic gold-medallist Usain Bolt, will be bringing fans closer to the event ahead of what is set to be the biggest T20 World Cup ever.”
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup kicks off on 1 June with co-hosts USA taking on Canada at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
Limited tickets remain available for all matches in New York, including access to the Premium Club and the exclusive Diamond Club, where fans can rub shoulders with the legends of the game in the best seats in the house. Watch India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Bangladesh, Canada, Ireland and our hosts USA and be part of history at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. Visit tickets.t20worldcup.com to get your tickets.
‘Out of this World’ by Sean Paul and Kes: The official ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 anthem