Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man and a former athlete, has been named ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, slated to be held in the West Indies and the United States in June.
On the development, Bolt said, “Coming from the Caribbean where cricket is a part of life, the sport has always held a special place in my heart, and I am honoured 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 growth of cricket globally. America believes a lot in sport and high intensity and for me to get into that market is big. When they follow a sport, they follow a sport properly and they go all in and I feel like if they can crack into it, they will get into it the right way. If we bring energy like I know we will for the T20 [World Cup] it is going to be wonderful.
“If you listen to NBA players and the way they talk about winning a gold medal, they have won NBA titles, they have their rings, but they are like ‘we went to the Olympics. That is how big getting a gold medal is. Every sport tries to get into the Olympics because it is such a big thing and it is such a great feeling to be on a podium winning that gold medal.”
Bolt’s remarkable tale is already well-known to cricket lovers. Beyond the realm of sports, the legendary Jamaican sprinter has made history by pulling off an unheard-of “Triple-Triple”—winning three gold medals at three different Olympic Games in a row from 2008 to 2016. His adventure started in 2008, when he stunned everyone by winning the 100-, 200-, and 4×100-meter relays in world records. With world records in all three events—9.58 seconds for the 100-meter sprint, 19.19 seconds for the 200-meter sprint, and 36.84 seconds for the 4×100-meter relay—Bolt continues to be the unchallenged speed king.
Bolt’s responsibility extends beyond a simple designation. He will be a major factor in publicising the event. The former athlete will also be making a cameo appearance with Caribbean music legends Sean Paul and Kes in the official anthem’s music video, which will be released next week. Furthermore, Bolt will support the Windies at important matches and participate in fan interaction activities, particularly in the United States, where cricket is slated for a huge surge.
The United States is the largest untapped market in the world of cricket. Bolt believes the T20 World Cup will serve as a spark for cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Bolt’s influence will not only increase enthusiasm for fans across the world but will also catapult cricket into a new age, particularly in the United States.
With the WC 2024 beginning on June 2, Team India will commence their campaign on June 5 against Ireland at the newly built Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.