NEW DELHI, June 8: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday named Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga as the event ambassador for the World Twenty20 to be held in the island nation later this year.

The explosive fast bowler with the sling-arm action is expected to play a key role in Sri Lanka's fortunes in the 12-nation event starting on Sept 18.

Malinga will be the ‘face’ of the World Twenty20 advertising campaign in the host nation and will promote the event globally, the ICC said in a statement.

“His distinct, stylish and colourful personality is synonymous with the intensity of Twenty20 cricket,” the governing body added.

Malinga, 28, said he was “honoured” to play a part in the first World Twenty20 to be hosted by an Asian nation.—AFP