MUMBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the appointment of its ambassadors for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. The ambassadors include Australian fast-bowler Mitchell Johnson, New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, India’s Virat Kohli, Sri Lanka’s former captain Kumar Sangakkara and Australia’s Shane Watson.
The ICC Ambassadors will add their support and considerable profile in the build-up to and during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015; including involvement in the ICC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme and event promotions.
Mitchell Johnson who was delighted to be a part of the group said “I look forward to helping promote what is set to be a fascinating tournament with some outstanding teams gearing up to claim cricket’s most coveted prize.”
Kohli, a star for India in their victorious 2011 Cricket World Cup campaign, commented, “It is a matter of pride to be selected as the ambassador of ICC. As a cricketer, I wish to spread the passion of cricket to grassroots levels and I look at this as an opportunity to unify global initiatives for cricket throughout the world.”
Black Caps captain McCullum, who has featured in the past three World Cups added, “With the World Cup just months away, no doubt all countries will be actively plotting and planning their campaigns. In 1992 our sport captivated the nations of both New Zealand and Australia, and I have no doubt the 2015 edition will do just the same.”
Former Sri Lanka captain Sangakkara, who featured in the 2007 and 2011 finals in the West Indies and India, said he was honoured to have been appointed an ambassador for the forthcoming World Cup in Australia alongside some great players.
Watson, one of the world’s leading all-rounders who tasted World Cup glory in 2007, commented, “Having played in the 2007 and 2011 World Cup campaigns, it truly is a special occasion and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play a World Cup at home against the best teams in the world. To be part of a transition phase that now has us playing quality cricket is fantastic and we are looking forward to the challenge of playing against the best players in World Cricket”
