New Delhi: The legendary Sachin Tendulkar was named the 'Global Ambassador' for the men's Cricket World Cup 2023 on Tuesday by the International Cricket Council. The tournament kicks off on Thursday in Ahmedabad.
Before the first match between England and New Zealand, Tendulkar, who has an impressive record of participating in six 50-over World Cups in his illustrious career, will walk out with the World Cup trophy, declaring the tournament open.
“From being a ball boy in 1987 to representing the country in six editions, World Cups have always held a special place in my heart. Winning the World Cup in 2011 is the proudest moment of my cricketing journey,” Tendulkar was quoted as saying in a press release.
“With so many special teams and players set to compete hard in the World Cup here in India, I am excitedly looking forward to this fantastic tournament. Marquee events like the World Cup seed dreams in young minds, I hope this edition too inspires young girls and boys to pick up sports and represent their countries at the highest level.”
The biggest Cricket World Cup ever will also witness an eclectic cast of ICC ambassadors – West Indies legend Vivian Richards, South Africa’s AB de Villiers, England World Cup-winning skipper Eoin Morgan, Australia’s Aaron Finch, Sri Lanka spin great Muttiah Muralitharan, New Zealand’s Ross Taylor, India’s Suresh Raina and ex-captain Mithali Raj and Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez.
Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager, Marketing & Communications, said: “It’s a real honour to have Sachin as our Global Ambassador as we celebrate the one-day game and get set for what we know is going to be the biggest Men’s Cricket World Cup ever.
“He is joined by nine fellow legends of the game who will bring the fans closer to the action and we can’t wait for it all to begin.”
With PTI inputs