Usain Bolt named as T20 World Cup 2024 ambassador

JAMAICA: Usain Bolt, the legendary sprinter and former cricketer, has been announced as the ambassador for the 2024 men’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in the West Indies and the USA this June.

“Growing up in the Caribbean where cricket is a way of life, this sport has always held a special place in my heart,” Bolt expressed in an ICC statement. “I am honored to be a part of such a prestigious tournament and look forward to bringing my energy and enthusiasm to the World Cup, contributing to the global growth of cricket.”

Bolt, renowned for his lightning speed on the track, foresees an electrifying atmosphere during the matches in the Caribbean, expecting “dancing, music, and high energy” to permeate the tournament. Additionally, Bolt sees the World Cup as a significant step towards establishing the USA as a prominent cricket hub.

“America has a great passion for sports and high-intensity events,” Bolt remarked. “For me to penetrate that market is monumental. American sports fans dive fully into their chosen sport, and I believe that with the right approach, cricket can capture their enthusiasm. With the energy we’ll bring to the T20 World Cup, it’s going to be a fantastic experience.”

Looking beyond the T20 World Cup, Bolt eagerly anticipates cricket’s return to the Olympic Games in 2028, when Los Angeles will host the men’s and women’s T20Is. He emphasized the prestigious nature of Olympic competition, drawing parallels to the reverence NBA players hold for winning Olympic gold medals.

“If you listen to NBA players talk about winning a gold medal, it’s on another level,” Bolt explained. “They’ve won NBA championships, they have their rings, but the Olympics is something special. Every sport aspires to be part of the Olympics because it’s such a monumental event. Standing atop that podium with a gold medal is an incredible feeling.”

Bolt’s involvement adds a unique dimension to the upcoming T20 World Cup, promising a blend of athleticism, entertainment, and global outreach to elevate cricket’s appeal worldwide.