Sachin Tendulkar named 'Global Ambassador' for World Cup 2023, will walk out with trophy before ENG vs NZ opener

The ICC on Tuesday named India batting legend Sachin Tendulkar as the 'Global Ambassador' for the men's Cricket World Cup 2023 beginning on Thursday, October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Tendulkar, who has featured in the ODI World Cup for a record six times, will walk out with the World Cup trophy before the opening match between defending champions England and New Zealand, declaring the tournament open.

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"From being a ball boy in 1987 to representing the country in six editions, World Cups have always held a special place in my heart. Winning the World Cup in 2011 is the proudest moment of my cricketing journey," Tendulkar was quoted as saying in a press release.

"With so many special teams and players set to compete hard in the World Cup here in India, I am excitedly looking forward to this fantastic tournament. Marquee events like the World Cup seed dreams in young minds, I hope this edition too inspires young girls and boys to pick up sports and represent their countries at the highest level."

West Indies legend Vivian Richards, South Africa’s AB de Villiers, England World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan, former Australia opener Aaron Finch, Sri Lanka spin great Muttiah Muralitharan, New Zealand legend Ross Taylor, former India all-rounder Suresh Raina and ex-captain Mithali Raj, and Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez have also been named in an eclectic cast of ICC ambassadors.

“It’s a real honour to have Sachin as our Global Ambassador as we celebrate the one-day game and get set for what we know is going to be the biggest Men’s Cricket World Cup ever. He is joined by nine fellow legends of the game who will bring the fans closer to the action and we can’t wait for it all to begin," Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager, Marketing & Communications, said.

A total of 48 matches will be played across 10 venues in the World Cup 2023. The 13th edition will conclude with the final on November 19.