NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was unveiled as the latest ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to be held in the Unites States and the West Indies from June 1.

Afridi joins India legend Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle and sprint sensation Usain Bolt among the ambassadors chosen by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the maiden 20-team T20 World Cup.

Afridi was the Player of the Tournament of the inaugural T20 World Cup held in South Africa where Pakistan lost to India in the final. In 2009, Afridi powered Pakistan to the title with match-winning performances in the semifinal and the final. The star all-rounder played in four more editions of the T20 World Cup and captained the side in 2010 and 2016.

“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart,” said Afridi in an ICC statement. “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,” Afridi added.

Afridi had bagged 39 wickets in 34 matches in the tournament, the second-most among all bowlers in T20 World Cup history. Overall in 99 T20Is, Afridi totalled 98 wickets and 1,416 runs.

Pakistan is slotted in Group A of the tournament alongside India, the USA, Canada and Ireland. They open their campaign on June 6 in Texas against the United States.

Agencies

Agencies