Widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain Bolt is an ardent cricket fan and he has often expressed his desire to showcase his skills in the 22 yards.
Bolt, who is the only sprinter to win Olympic 100m and 200m titles at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, and 2016), could have been a fast bowler for the West Indies since speed is something we associate with the running legend. In fact, he hails from Jamaica – the island that has produced some of the finest fast bowlers, including the legendary Michael Holding and Courtney Walsh.
While growing up in Jamaica, Bolt would train as a child to be a cricketer. Watching him run at lightning-fast speed during the training, his cricket coach suggested him to try track and field. As it turned out, he etched his name in the history books by winning the Olympic gold medal eight times.
Now that Usain Bolt is a retired sprinter, he can fulfill his childhood dream to play professional cricket – the sport that's very special to the heart of Indians around the globe.
According to our sources, Bolt might display his cricketing skills in India next month. He has been approached by Power Sportz, India's first live digital Sports channel, to be part of the Global T20 Power Cricket League, slated to be held at Yamuna Sports Complex Cricket Ground in New Delhi from October 2 to October 9.
As per the sources, the deal is yet to be finalized and both parties are currently in discussion. If GPCL manages to rope in Bolt, then the competition will certainly attract the global audience.
Notably, GPCL T20, featuring eight teams from different nationalities, aspires to cater to the Asian Diaspora population living outside of their country. The first edition of GPCL is being hosted in India under the NRI festival and it will move to countries such as Middle East, USA, Canada, UK, and South Africa in the subsequent seasons.
The eight teams featuring in the competition include Indian Sapphires, Australian Golds, English Reds, American Indigos, Irish Olives, Scottish Mulberries, South African Emeralds, and Sri Lankan Violets.
Some of the marquee players taking part in the GPCL T20 include former India cricketers Munaf Patel, Yusuf Pathan, former Afghanistan skipper Gulbadin Naib, England’s Ian Bell, Australia’s Callum Ferguson, West Indies’ Kirk Edwards among others.
It remains to be seen whether Usain Bolt would prefer to be a batter or a bowler if he gets signed by any team in the GPCL T20. With his long strides, he could end up being a brilliant fast bowler or could be a handy batter, considering his strength to smash sixes or take cheeky singles.
