The Cricket World Cup trophy visited Argentina as part of the 15-stop world tour in the build-up to the 2024 T20 World Cup. It’s the first time a Cricket World Cup trophy has been in the country, part of an International Cricket Council (ICC) initiative to bring the sport closer to emerging cricket countries.

“It was an honor that the ICC chose Argentina as part of the trophy tour,” said Hernán Pereyra, president of the Argentine Cricket Association (AAC). “Argentines are passionate by nature, and we have a set of players that have been locally developed, in the country and by Argentine coaches, so that’s where it all begins.”

The Argentine Cricket Association (AAC) and the ICC presented the trophy at the Argentine Olympic Committee (COA) headquarters, in Buenos Aires.

ICC Communications Liaison Max Abbott told the Herald the council has identified Argentina as one of three emerging cricket countries on the tour, highlighting that players “have a passion for the game, they’re looking to improve, they’re looking to prepare for their next tournament.”

Mario Moccia, head of the Argentine Olympic Committee, said cricket’s addition as an Olympic sport in the 2028 Los Ángeles Summer Olympics will allow Argentine cricket to “break out of its usual habitat.”

“Being an Olympic sport will give cricket a bigger spotlight on the national stage, and that’s what we have to take advantage of,” said Moccia. “[To compete at the highest level] you need a process of development, training, and competition, and that takes 10 or more years, so that’s where we need to work.”

After being presented at the COA headquarters, the trophy was toured around Buenos Aires, visiting the Buenos Aires Obelisk and Caminito in La Boca, before a final exhibition at the Belgrano Athletic Club.

The 2024 T20 World Cup will be held from June 1 to June 29. The United States will host an ICC tournament for the first time, with the West Indies joining as co-hosts. It will be the first tournament held under the new 20-team format.