In a thrilling announcement for cricket fans worldwide, legendary Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has been revealed as the newest tournament ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to be held in the West Indies and the USA. Afridi, a former Men’s T20 World Cup winner and Player of the Tournament, joins an elite group of ambassadors that includes India’s Yuvraj Singh, West Indies’ Chris Gayle, and the fastest man on Earth, Usain Bolt.

Afridi’s illustrious T20 World Cup career

Afridi is celebrated for his significant contributions to Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaigns. His performances are etched in cricket history, particularly his pivotal roles in the 2007 and 2009 tournaments. In the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, Afridi’s exceptional all-round skills led Pakistan to the final, where they narrowly lost to arch-rivals India. His efforts earned him the Player of the Tournament award, a testament to his impactful performances throughout the event.

The pinnacle of Afridi’s T20 World Cup career came in 2009 when he spearheaded Pakistan’s triumphant campaign. Afridi’s all-round brilliance shone brightly as he delivered match-winning performances in both the semi-final against South Africa and the final against Sri Lanka. His heroics in the final, where he was named Player of the Match, helped Pakistan lift the T20 World Cup trophy, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest T20 players of all time.

Afridi’s reaction to the ambassador role

Reflecting on his appointment as a tournament ambassador, Afridi expressed his excitement and fond memories of the T20 World Cup. “The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart,” said Afridi. “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,” he added.

Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager – Marketing and Communications, highlighted Afridi’s credentials, stating, “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 upcoming T20 World Cup

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to kick off on June 1, with co-hosts USA taking on Canada at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. This edition of the tournament promises to be spectacular, with matches hosted across diverse venues in the West Indies and the USA, bringing the excitement of T20 cricket to new audiences.

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Afridi’s appointment as a tournament ambassador adds a touch of nostalgia and excitement to the upcoming T20 World Cup. His legendary status and remarkable T20 World Cup history make him a perfect fit for this role. As fans gear up for the 2024 edition, Afridi’s presence will undoubtedly enhance the tournament’s appeal and inspire a new generation of cricketers and fans alike.