PremiumODI World Cup 2023: ICC reveals the official names of the mascot after fans vote
The highly anticipated 50-over extravaganza is scheduled to kick off on October 5.
Last Updated: 10.09 PM, Sep 30, 2023
In a few days, the world will witness the clash of top cricket teams at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India. Ten teams will compete in a round-robin format, and ahead of the mega event, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the official names of the World Cup 2023 mascots: Blaze and Tonk. These names were chosen through an overwhelming majority of fan votes.
Blaze and Tonk made their debut back in August and captured the imaginations of cricket enthusiasts worldwide who participated in the naming process.
'Tonk,' the male mascot, embodies an icy-cool demeanour, establishing himself as a batting maestro. His extensive repertoire of shots ignites the crowd, showcasing a perfect blend of finesse and power. Tonk wields an electromagnetic bat and boasts a versatile shot range, illuminating the grandest stage of cricket," the official release stated.
On the other hand, 'Blaze,' the female mascot, is a fast-bowling sensation who bowls at a rapid pace, leaving batters in sheer awe. She is known for her pinpoint accuracy, unmatched reflexes, boundless flexibility, and unwavering determination. She carries a belt with six power cricket orbs, each meticulously prepared for various game-changing tactics.
In a departure from tradition, this year's organizers have taken a contemporary approach to mascot design, moving away from the traditional animal-themed mascots seen in previous editions. Notable examples include Stumpy the Elephant from the 2011 World Cup and the Googlee cricket ball, which had arms, legs, and cricket gear in 1996.
The highly anticipated 50-over extravaganza is scheduled to kick off on October 5 with a blockbuster match between England and New Zealand in Ahmedabad. Spread across 10 venues, the tournament will come to a close on November 19, culminating in the final showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.