Superstar Rajinikanth is set to add charisma and cinematic brilliance to the upcoming ICC World Cup as he receives a “Golden Ticket” from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This ticket grants him special access and VIP treatment during the prestigious multi-country cricket tournament. BCCI Honorary Secretary Jay Shah personally presented the Golden Ticket to the legendary actor.
In a statement, BCCI praised Rajinikanth, describing him as “The Phenomenon Beyond Cinema” and acknowledging the indelible mark he has left on the hearts of millions across language and culture boundaries. The cricketing body expressed excitement about Rajinikanth gracing the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as a distinguished guest, highlighting his presence as a significant addition to the grand spectacle.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is scheduled to commence in Ahmedabad on October 5, with a clash between the finalists of the 2019 edition, England and New Zealand, marking the inaugural match.
Golden tickets, a promotional strategy employed by the BCCI for the event they are hosting, provide recipients with VIP access and privileges during World Cup matches. These tickets serve as a token of appreciation for their contributions and achievements in their respective fields.
Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar, a member of the victorious 1983 World Cup team, commended the BCCI’s initiative to honor distinguished individuals. He noted that recognizing pioneers in various domains is a wonderful gesture. Gavaskar also expressed his hope that the BCCI would extend Golden Tickets to other notable figures, including ISRO chief S. Somnath, who played a pivotal role in India’s lunar mission. Additionally, he suggested honoring other World Cup-winning captains like Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni, along with prominent athletes such as Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic and World Athletics Championship gold medalist.
The decision to honor individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields is seen as a positive step by the BCCI. As of now, Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar have been presented with Golden Tickets, and it remains to be seen who else will join this distinguished list during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.