Sports

Usain Bolt to be ambassador for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Published

1 year ago

April 24, 2024

editor

The International Cricket Council (ICC) have announced Olympic legend Usain Bolt as an ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be played in the West Indies and USA from 1-29 June 2024.

The announcement comes a few weeks ahead of the start of the biggest cricket carnival spectacle ever that will inspire a new generation of fans. Bolt’s global appeal alongside his out of this world athletic achievements and ability to transcend boundaries makes him a perfect fit for the biggest T20 World Cup ever.

Bolt created history at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio when he achieved the ‘Triple-Triple’, three gold medals at three consecutive Olympic Games. His journey to worldwide stardom started at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing where he won the 100m, 200m and 4x100m, all in world record times.

Bolt currently holds world records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m with times of 9.58 secs, 19.19 secs and 36.84 secs. His first world record was in the 100m in 2008 when he posted a time of 9.72 secs in New York. He lowered it to 9.69 secs at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and then to 9.58 secs at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. He holds the three fastest times ever run: 9.58, 9.64 and 9.69 seconds.

As an ambassador, Bolt will play a key role in promoting the event, starting with a cameo appearance in next week’s release of the event’s official anthem music video alongside iconic artists Sean Paul and Kes. The eight-time Olympic Gold Medallist will also attend T20 World Cup matches in the West Indies and be part of fan engagement events promoting the sport within the United States.

Usain Bolt expressed his excitement about his new role, saying: “I am thrilled to be an ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. 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 making a contribution to the growth of cricket globally.

“While I will of course be supporting West Indies at the World Cup, getting the sport into the US 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.”

ICC Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Allardice said: “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 2024 to engage with a new generation of fans. 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.”

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to be action packed with Bolt’s presence adding a new level of excitement for fans globally. Fans can look forward to seeing the world’s best teams battle it out for glory, with the World Cup opening match seeing co-host USA taking on Canada at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas, Texas on Saturday 1 June. For full match fixtures and tickets, including hospitality packages in both the West Indies and USA, visit tickets.t20worldcup.com.

(icc-cricket.com)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by icc-cricket.com has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

China donates 05 dragon boats to Sri Lanka (Pics)

Published

7 hours ago

June 2, 2025

editor

The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka has donated five 12-person international-standard dragon boats to the Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The donation was formally made on May 31 at the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival China-Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Championship.

The championship was held at the Diyawanna Oya Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka (ARASL) Rowing Center. Participants included school teams, university crews, clubs, members of the tri-forces, as well as Chinese teams. It was notable that the event also featured 05 teams from Jaffna.

The regatta was hosted by Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of Sri Lanka, and co-organized by National Association for Canoeing and Kayaking in Sri Lanka, CICT (Colombo International Container Terminals Ltd.), Sri Lanka Overseas Chinese Association and Chinese Chamber Of Commerce In Sri Lanka.

Expressing gratitude for the donation, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports – S.K. Gamage said, “This is not merely a sports event, it is a powerful symbol of friendship, culture, and cooperation between our two nations.”

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong said the championship was “a new starting point to further deepen sports and cultural exchanges between China and Sri Lanka and to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between our peoples.”

Rear Admiral HNS Perera, President of the National Association for Canoeing and Kayaking in Sri Lanka, described the event as a bridge between tradition and modernity.

Sri Lanka Navy and Visakha Vidyalaya powered their way to victory by clinching the top honours in the Men’s and Women’s Open Championships. Visakha Vidyalaya also grabbed the top spot in the Junior Girls’ final.

The Junior Boys’ final saw Thambaddy GTMV from Jaffna winning the gold medal, ahead of J/Delft M.V and D.S. Senanayake College Colombo.

In the Masters Women’s race, Ceylong team took top spot, while Wave Breakers and Pink Dragon followed closely.

The University of Sabaragamuwa won the Mixed Category final, pushing Chinese Team 03 and Chinese Team 01 to second and third places.

(Pics : Shanika Jayasekara)

News

SLC postpones 03 domestic tournaments

Published

3 days ago

May 30, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the postponement of domestic tournaments due to the inclement weather conditions experienced in Sri Lanka.

According to a statement by the SLC, the decision to postpone the ongoing domestic tournaments has been taken by the SLC’s Tournament Committee.

The affected tournaments are :
– The Major Club T20 Tournament
– Tier ‘B’ T20 Tournament
– Governors Trophy

Sri Lanka Cricket further said that the revised schedules will be announced in due course.

News

Galle Marvels owner gets sentenced

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2025

editor

Prem Thakkar, the Indian owner of the Galle Marvels franchise in the Lanka T10 League, has been sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for 10 years, after pleading guilty to a match-fixing charge under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act.

Thakkar was also fined Rs. 6 million and ordered to pay Rs. 1 million in compensation. In addition, the Kandy High Court has granted a request by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit to download and examine data from Thakkar’s mobile phone as part of ongoing investigations.

The Attorney General filed the indictment earlier this year, accusing Thakkar of attempting to corrupt West Indies cricketer Andre Fletcher by offering him incentives to influence the outcome of a game involving Galle Marvels during the Lanka T10 League in December 2024.

(newswire.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)