PC: Telegraph India

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has proudly announced India's cricket icon and all-time leading run-scorer Sachin Tendulkar as the Global Ambassador for the ODI World Cup 2023. In a grand ceremony, Tendulkar will have the honor of presenting the Men's Cricket World Cup trophy during the inaugural match at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Reflecting on this iconic role, Sachin Tendulkar shared his excitement ahead of the opening match and revealed his deep connection with the World Cup. He said, "From becoming a ball boy in 1987 to representing the country in six editions, the World Cup has always held a special place in my heart. Winning the World Cup in 2011 was the proudest moment of my cricket journey."

Sachin's record as the highest run-scorer in the ODI World Cup remains intact, highlighting his immense contribution to the history of the tournament. Expressing his excitement for the upcoming event, he said, “So many special teams and players are ready to compete hard at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 here in India, I am excitedly looking forward to this fantastic tournament.”

The ICC has also lined up an impressive list of ambassadors for this year's Cricket World Cup, which includes West Indies legend Vivian Richards, South Africa's AB de Villiers, England's World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan, Australia's Aaron Finch, Sri Lanka's great Spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan, New Zealand's Ross Taylor, India's Suresh Raina, former captain Mithali Raj and Pakistan's versatile all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez is included.

These cricket legends will play an integral role in enhancing the viewership experience and bringing fans right into the heart of the action. They will connect with fans through meet-and-greet sessions, share expert analysis through the ICC Online Media Zone, and participate in select matches across the country, adding to the excitement of the much-awaited World Cup.

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 is scheduled to begin on October 5, with defending champions England facing off against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With a total of 48 matches across 10 venues, the tournament will conclude on November 19 with the final at the world's largest cricket stadium, making for an exciting cricket spectacle.