International Cricket Council names Sachin Tendulkar as brand ambassador for 2015 Cricket World Cup

Sachin Tendulkar will promote and support a lot of ICC initiatives during the build-up to the tournament. 

The international Cricket Council (ICC) has named Sachin Tendulkar as the brand ambassador for the upcoming 2015 Cricket World Cup, to be jointly co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. This is the second time that Tendulkar has been named as the ambassador of ICC's premier tournament, having had the honour during the 2011 edition as well.

In his role as ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 ambassador, Tendulkar will be promote and support a varieties of ICC initiatives, aimed at enhancing the profile of the tournament. The Cricket World Cup is currently the third biggest sporting event across the world.

Tendulkar retired from the sport in November 2013 after having represented India in 200 Tests, 463 ODIs and a one-off T20I. In a 24-year old career, Tendulkar accumulated 34,357 international runs and 100 centuries.

Tendulkar is the leading run-scorer in World Cup history with 2278 runs from 45 matches, at an average of 56.95. His best was during the 2003 edition of the tournament, scoring 673 runs and helping India finish as the runners-up to Australia.

Commenting on his appointment, Tendulkar said: "I am delighted and honoured to be appointed ICC Cricket World Cup Ambassador for the second successive time.

"After playing in the last six editions, the upcoming World Cup will be a different experience as I will follow it from the sidelines. It could probably be comparable to the ICC Cricket World Cup 1987 where I was a ball boy, enthusiastically cheering every ball.

"The excitement of the World Cup grows with every new edition and this years host nations, Australia and New Zealand, are known for their sporting culture, great cricket facilities and knowledgeable crowds. Lifting the World Cup is every international cricketers quest and the tournament brings out the best of individuals and competing teams.

"The image of the champion team lifting the World Cup inspires many youngsters around the world and gives them a dream to chase a dream which I fulfilled after 22 years of relentless pursuit by being part of the victorious Indian team in 2011."

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: "The ICC is delighted to once again have Sachin as an Ambassador for its biggest and most prestigious tournament. Sachin is not only an inspiration to cricketers, but to all sportspeople for his endurance, perseverance, talent, personality and commitment to the game."

The 11th edition of the game kicks off with a double header on February 14th. Co-hosts New Zealand take on Sri Lanka in the first game at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch while Australia face arch rivals England in the day's other match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).