Rohit Sharma, former Indian captain, has been named the tournament ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Sharma’s elevation is consistent with the ICC’s approach of leveraging high-profile global sportsmen to increase fan engagement, corporate partnerships, and broadcast awareness for one of the world’s fastest-growing cricket brands. His participation is likely to have a significant impact on sponsor interest, regional promotional activities, and retail visibility in the run-up to the event.
Rohit Sharma, who captained reigning champions India to victory in the previous Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, has been designated tournament ambassador for the 2026 edition, which will be hosted in India and Sri Lanka.
Rohit was outstanding for India in T20Is, scoring 4231 runs at an average of 32.01 and a strike rate of 140.89. He is one of the few players who has participated in two successful Men’s T20 World Cup campaigns: the first took place in the tournament’s debut edition in 2007, and the second took place in its most recent edition in 2024.
Rohit led India to the elusive trophy in the even more memorable 2024 campaign. With 257 runs at a strike rate of 156.70, he was India’s top run scorer. The Team in Blue had an early edge at the beginning of the innings owing to his quick beginnings. He played particularly well against Australia in the Super Eights (92 off 41) and England in the semi-final (57 off 39).
After India’s 2024 triumph, which broke the men’s team’s 11-year ICC trophy drought, Sharma retired from T20Is.
On his appointment, Rohit Sharma said, “It is great to have the tournament back in India and for me to be associated once again with the tournament, this time in a new capacity as the Brand Ambassador. I wish all the players the very best and hope they have a memorable time and enjoy India’s hospitality while taking back a lot of memories.”
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from February 7 to March 8, 2026.
