NEW DELHI: The ICC ODI World Cup Trophy Tour kicked off in a spectacular fashion as the coveted silverware became the first official sporting trophy to be sent to space.
Launched into the stratosphere, 120,000 feet above the earth, the trophy landed at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. The feat was achieved with the World Cup Trophy attached to a bespoke stratospheric balloon.
The trip to space sets the stage for the biggest ICC men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour ever, counting down to the World Cup being played across India in October and November.
The Trophy Tour begins on June 27 in India and the cup will travel around the globe and then return to the host nation on September 4, an ICC release said.
The 2023 edition of the Trophy Tour will be the biggest by far, giving the fans a chance to connect with the coveted piece of silverware in various countries and cities around the globe.
Through innovative activations and events in different countries, the Trophy Tour will provide a chance to one million fans to have their own personal interactions with the coveted piece of silverware.
"The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour is an important milestone in the countdown to what will be the biggest ICC Men's Cricket World Cup ever," ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said.
"This Tour will see the iconic silverware meet heads of states, launch community initiatives and support cricket development programmes in addition to visiting some of the most iconic landmarks around the globe.
"Cricket has more than a billion fans and we want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to get up close to this famous trophy that has been held aloft by some of the greatest legends of our sport."
BCCI secretary Jay Shah added, "Cricket unites India like no other sport and excitement is building across the country as we prepare to host the 10 best teams in the world over six weeks of heart-stopping cricket.
"As we countdown to the World Cup, the Trophy Tour is a fantastic chance for fans to be part of the event wherever they are. The Tour will travel extensively across India and seek to inspire communities to share the excitement of cricket's greatest spectacle, while providing an opportunity to showcase iconic venues, cities and landmarks throughout the country."
