Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan was one of four ambassadors announced on Wednesday ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, to be held in Pakistan and in Dubai from February 19 to March 9.
Adjoining Shikhar Dhawan, ICC proclaimed Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy-winning captain, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shane Watson from Australia and New Zealand’s legendary fast bowler, Tim Southee, as ambassadors for the event.
The four will write guest columns and attend matches to offer their views on the event where the world’s eight best teams will battle it out for ultimate glory.
“It is such a special feeling to be a part of a Champions Trophy and to get the chance to enjoy this upcoming edition as an Ambassador is an honorable thing,” Dhawan said in an ICC release.
“This is the big stage where it is all or nothing, and that is what makes it such an exciting spectacle. It is a tournament born out of passion, pride, and determination, and that is what makes it such a thrilling and emotional journey for everyone involved”.
As India’s champion run-scorer in the tournament, Shikhar has scored a total of 707 runs in two said tournaments and continues to be one of the fierce competitors in the competition’s rich history.
He is also the first person on the planet to win back-to-back GoldenBats for leading run-getter in the tournament.
Some of his more notable accolades include being named the Man of the Tournament at the 2013 edition and also setting the record for most centuries in the Champions Trophy.
“I cherish my moments of playing the Champions Trophy. In the coming weeks, we will be seeing the world’s best teams pouring their heart and soul into each match with everything they have worked for at stake,” Dhawan said.
“Hosting the tournament is such a proud moment for Pakistan. India will play their share of matches in Dubai.”
“You cannot forget the feeling of pride you get as Pakistan captain when you wear the white jackets and hold the trophy over your head back in 2017…I’m glad to see the tournament return to the calendar and my country is given the opportunity to again hold such a special event,” he said.
Meanwhile, Southee and Watson said: “With the top eight teams going head to head for the iconic white jackets, we can expect some extraordinary do-or-die cricket across three thrilling weeks.”
