The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced Pakistan’s iconic all-rounder, Shahid Afridi, as the latest ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to take place in the USA and the West Indies from June 1 to June 29. Afridi, a former T20 World Cup winner and Player of the Tournament, joins an illustrious group of ambassadors, including India’s Yuvraj Singh, the ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle, and the fastest man on Earth, Usain Bolt.

Afridi is synonymous with some of Pakistan’s most memorable moments in T20 World Cup history. He played a pivotal role in their journey to the final in the inaugural tournament in 2007 and their triumph in the 2009 edition. Notably, Afridi was the Player of the Tournament in 2007, where Pakistan reached the final, and delivered match-winning performances in the 2009 semi-final and final, leading Pakistan to victory.

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Reflecting on his appointment, Afridi expressed his excitement: “The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart. 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.”

Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager – Marketing and Communications, welcomed Afridi to the ambassador team: “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.”

Afridi will engage in a range of promotional activities around the World Cup and provide expert insights through a series of guest columns. The tournament will kick off on June 1 with co-hosts USA taking on Canada at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. A total of 55 matches will be played by 20 teams across nine venues, culminating in the final on June 29 in Barbados, promising to be the biggest cricket carnival spectacle ever.