Bolt appointed ambassador for T20 showpiece

ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

Jamaican sprint icon Usain Bolt has been named an ambassador for this June's ICC Twenty20 (T20) World Cup.

The 37-year-old, widely regarded as the finest sprinter of all time with world records in the 100 and 200 metres, "will play a key role in promoting the event", organisers, the International Cricket Council, said in a media statement yesterday.

Bolt's first appearance will come in the release of the T20 World Cup's official anthem music video, alongside Caribbean artistes Sean Paul and Kes.

The Jamaican will attend games and be part of the fan engagement promotions for the June 1-29 event, jointly hosted by the Caribbean and the United States of America.

"I am thrilled to be an ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup," said Bolt, who won eight Olympic gold medals and 11 World Championships gold during a stellar career.

"Coming from the Caribbean where cricket is a part of life, the sport has always held a special place in my heart, and I look forward to attending West Indies matches at the World Cup and contributing to the growth of cricket globally.

"While I will support West Indies at the World Cup, getting the sport into the USA is big for cricket.

"It's the biggest sports market in the world, and the energy that we will bring for the T20 World Cup is a huge opportunity leading towards cricket's inclusion in the LA Olympics in 2028."

The USA will be staging its first-ever T20 World Cup, with games being played in Fort Lauderdale, New York and Dallas.

ICC Chief Executive Officer Geoff Allardice said he expected Bolt to "engage with a new generation of fans" during the showpiece.

"Usain Bolt is a global icon. We are thrilled to have him on board as an ambassador for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup to engage with a new generation of fans," said Allardice.

"His passion for cricket is well known, making him the perfect fit for this role. Alongside his world record-breaking achievements and energetic personality, he will add another exciting element to the World Cup."

A record 20 teams will contest the T20 World Cup, with West Indies in Group C alongside New Zealand, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea and Uganda.