Catch 'Avatars' of cricket superstars in official T20 World Cup anthem

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today, September 23, launched the official anthem of the T20 World Cup 2021. The anthem features animated versions of Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Kieron Pollard and Rashid Khan. The film can be watched on all social media handles of ICC, Star Sports and BCCI. In the 1.30 minute ad, young cricket fans can be seen playing with greats of the game.

🎵 Let the world know,

This is your show 🎵



Come #LiveTheGame and groove to the #T20WorldCup anthem 💃🕺 pic.twitter.com/KKQTkxd3qw

— ICC (@ICC) September 23, 2021

The avatar animation featured a brand-new broadcast technology that blends both 3D and 2D effects – it involved a production team of over 40 people, including designers, modellers, matte painters, animators, lighters, and compositors, the ICC said in a report on its official website. Meanwhile, The anthem, Live the Game, is composed by Indian music director Amit Trivedi.

T20 World Cup is the pinnacle of the shortest format of the game. The tournament was last played in 2016 where West Indies defeated England to claim the title. The showpiece event was initially scheduled in 2020 but was pushed back to 2021 due to COVID- 19 pandemic.

The groups and schedule of the World Cup have been revealed. Top twelve teams divided into two groups will compete in the Super 12s. India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan and two teams who’ll join them after the qualifiers have been kept in Group B while England, West Indies, Australia, South Africa and two qualifier teams comprise Group A. The tournament gets underway with Australia taking on South Africa on October 23 in Abu Dhabi.

“T20I cricket has proven time and time again that it can engage fans of all ages, and I’m excited to bring some fireworks to the stadiums in the UAE and for those watching all over the world,” Pollard was quoted as saying by ICC.

Maxwell can’t wait to get started. “The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is going to be one of the toughest and most exciting on record”,” he said. “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.”