Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt has donned a new cap – the brand ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup! This exciting development brings together the fastest man alive with the world’s most electrifying cricket format. Cricket, it turns out, has always held a special place in Bolt’s heart. Growing up in Jamaica, cricket was a constant presence thanks to his father’s fervent fandom.
“It’s something that I have always in my blood,” Usain Bolt shared in a recent interview. While his sprinting career reached unparalleled heights, a part of him always yearned for the world of cricket. Now, as the T20 World Cup ambassador, he gets a taste of that dream.
Despite his recent globetrotting adventures, Bolt hasn’t been able to catch much live cricket, including the ongoing IPL. However, his passion for the sport remains undimmed. When it comes to the format, T20 reigns supreme for Bolt.
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“T20s for sure,” he declares. “It compresses the game… combines Test match and one-day together to create the perfect game.” This sentiment resonates with many in the Caribbean, where the shorter format has taken center stage.
The rise of T20, however, casts a shadow over Test cricket. Bolt acknowledges this shift, recognizing the Caribbean’s growing preference for the faster-paced format.
“People actually don’t enjoy Test cricket that much,” he observes. “It’s all about the speed of the game, big hitters like Andre Russell.” This preference for excitement, he believes, is the key to attracting new audiences.
T20 World Cup ambassador and the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt at Eisenhower Park in New York, the first modular stadium in international cricket #T20WC pic.twitter.com/inHcH6fHx9
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 16, 2024
The T20 World Cup also marks a historic moment for the USA, hosting a major cricket event for the first time. While cricket currently enjoys a dedicated following among South Asian and Caribbean expats, Bolt sees room for growth. “I surely think the game can grow in USA,” he says, highlighting the increased exposure that comes with hosting a global event.
Though his busy schedule often keeps him away from the television, Usain Bolt’s cricketing memories remain vivid. He fondly recalls watching Wasim Akram weave magic with his in-swinging yorkers, along with the dominance of legends like Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose.
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His love for the sport extends beyond the Caribbean. “Like my father, I always support the West Indies,” he admits with a laugh. But his admiration transcends team loyalty. “I have also been a Sachin Tendulkar fan,” he confesses, acknowledging the epic rivalry between Tendulkar and Brian Lara that defined an era in cricket.
Among the current crop of players, Bolt readily picks Virat Kohli as the “standout one for sure.” The conversation then takes a humorous turn when asked about a potential cricketer-sprinter. Bolt, ever the showman, reveals a running joke with his close friend Chris Gayle.
“He actually said he can beat me over 100 meters. We are looking to put out a race and see what happens,” he says with a chuckle, before asserting his sprinting supremacy.
Usain Bolt’s journey from the world of athletics to the world of cricket is a testament to his enduring love for the sport. As the T20 World Cup ambassador, he embodies the excitement and energy that defines the shortest format of the game. His enthusiasm is sure to be contagious, drawing in new fans and further solidifying T20’s position as the global cricketing phenomenon.
