Organisers urge fans to get in the mood for T20 World Cup

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

Organisers of the ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup to be staged this June in the Caribbean and the United States urged fans of the sport to get into the groove for the global showpiece by creating their own dance interpretations of the “knock it out of this world” dance step, which is featured in the music video for the official anthem of the tournament.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport’s world organising body, announced the release of the official anthem for the tournament, “Out of this World”, which is performed by Grammy award-winning artiste dancehall reggae artiste, Sean Paul, and soca singer Kes.

“I have always believed that music, like cricket, has the power to bring people together in unity and celebration,” Paul said.

“This song is all about positive energy and Caribbean pride, and I can’t wait for the carnival of cricket to get started and hear everyone singing along to the anthem, bringing the party to stadiums across the West Indies and USA.”

The anthem, produced by Michael ‘Tano’ Montano, was released with less than 30 days to go until the start of the tournament and sets the tone for the biggest T20 World Cup, with 20 international teams playing 55 matches from June 1 to 29 in the Caribbean and the United States.

“Cricket has always been a major part of Caribbean culture, so I’m honoured to write and record the official anthem for the T20 World Cup,” Kes said.

“Respect goes out to the entire crew whose creative input inspired this anthem. The track embodies the vibrant culture and energy of cricket and is a real anthem for people to sing out and feel the spirit of unity.”

The music video to the anthem features cameos from eight-time Olympic sprint gold-medallist and tournament ambassador Usain Bolt, as well as cricket stars former West Indies batting stars Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and United States pacer Ali Khan, as well as other Caribbean personalities.

World Cup organisers said the music video was a visual celebration of the sport that captured the atmosphere and energy of what fans from around the world can expect when they attend the matches.

“With just 30 days to go until the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins, the release of the official anthem sets the tone for a celebration in which global fans will come together to experience an incredible month of cricket,” ICC general manager, marketing & communications, Claire Furlonge, said.

“We are delighted to have two globally recognised artistes in Sean Paul and Kes produce our official anthem, which will be at the heart of the event, heard across our stadiums, global broadcast, and ICC digital platforms.”

The soundtrack and music video are available for listening and viewing on ICC digital platforms.