Renowned cricketer Chris Gayle, known for his explosive performances in the shortest format of the game, had the prestigious honor of illuminating New York’s iconic Empire State Building in the vibrant navy and magenta hues of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Gayle, a former player for Jamaica and the West Indies, also proudly presented the trophy that will be fiercely contested by 20 teams during the tournament scheduled from June 1 to 29 across the West Indies and the United States.
The historic event signifies the first occasion that an ICC World Cup will be hosted in the United States, with eight matches slated to take place at the cutting-edge modular 34,000-seat stadium in Nassau County, New York. Additionally, existing venues such as the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas and Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, have undergone extensive renovations to host four fixtures each.
A distinguished legacy in T20 cricket
Co-hosts West Indies, with a distinguished legacy in T20 cricket, will welcome matches at various picturesque Caribbean locales, including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. The tournament, aptly named the ‘Out of this World’ Trophy Tour, will traverse 15 countries across four continents, showcasing the prestigious trophy at iconic sporting venues, landmarks, and among legendary cricketers.
This tour will not only captivate existing cricket enthusiasts but also engage new fans, with stops planned in emerging cricket nations such as Argentina, Brazil, and Canada.
Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager of Marketing and Communications, emphasized the excitement surrounding the tournament, which is now less than three months away. Furlong highlighted the significance of the Trophy Tour in uniting cricket fans worldwide and providing them with the opportunity to witness the pinnacle of T20 cricket first-hand.
Additional tickets have been released for 51 out of 55 matches
Fawwaz Baksh, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Tournament Director, echoed Furlong’s sentiments, describing the Trophy Tour as a testament to the global anticipation for the upcoming World Cup. Baksh outlined a myriad of engaging activities planned during the Caribbean leg of the tour, including meet-and-greets with cricket stars, cultural entertainment, and photo opportunities with the coveted trophy at iconic Caribbean destinations.
In response to overwhelming demand, additional tickets have been released for 51 out of 55 matches, ensuring more fans can experience the excitement of live cricket. Tickets are now available for all matches in the West Indies, including Group Stage, Super 8, and semi-final matches. Fans can secure their tickets conveniently through the official ticketing website, tickets.t20worldcup.com, where a range of premium hospitality offerings are also available for purchase.
The T20 World Cup Trophy Tour schedule for March and April includes stops in various cities, culminating in the Caribbean islands of Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Lucia. The tour promises to energize cricket enthusiasts worldwide and build anticipation for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.
