xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday released the animated anthem for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE. Composed by renowned Bollywood music director Amit Trivedi, the animated film features young fans from all over the world immersed and engaged in explosive T20I cricket and features some of the sport’s biggest superstars. 

Host nation and India captain Virat Kohli, leads the group of players brought to life as ‘avatars’ in the animation, that interact with each other throughout.  Kohli is joined by fellow captain Kieron Pollard of the reigning champions, West Indies as well as Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and Rashid Khan of Afghanistan.  Launched in collaboration with ICC’s global broadcast partner Star Sports, the film premiers worldwide today across ICC, BCCI, and Star Sports’ social media handles. To view the film, click here. The video is also available to download on the ICC Online Media Zone.

The animation features a brand-new broadcast technology that blends both 3D and 2D effects to create the stunning film.  A production team of over 40 people, including designers, modellers, matte painters, animators, lighters, and compositors, worked round-the-clock to produce the final version.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is the pinnacle of the shortest format of cricket and returns for the first time in five years on October 17th.  The tournament promises high-octane cricket and entertainment for everyone, including families and those new to the game, with matches taking place in a safe Covid-19 environment across the UAE and Oman.  16 countries, featuring the sport’s biggest names and best teams, will compete in global cricket’s biggest event since the pandemic.

Kieron Pollard, one of the biggest power-hitters of T20 cricket and captain of the reigning champions, is excited by this year's competition.  It is the return of the cricket world cup, since last year's highly successful ICC's Women's T20 World Cup, that saw 86,174 in the iconic MCG for the final, a record for attendance of any women's cricket match.

“There is something magical and special about putting on the West Indies jersey and stepping onto the field. This upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will give us more special moments. We know our fans will be fully engaged, watching, and supporting and we want to give them plenty to cheer about. I’m excited about the magic moments ahead”, said Pollard.

Glenn Maxwell, all-rounder, Australia one of the greatest T20I players to have ever played the game agrees. "The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is going to be one of the toughest and most exciting on record. There are so many teams that could take the trophy and every game will be like a final. We can’t wait to get started knowing the calibre of players we have."