### ICC Launches Landmark Initiative Ahead of Men’s T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a new anthem and musical piece composed by Grammy-winning composer Lorne Balfe. This sonic brand will serve as the official anthem for ICC events, embodying the vibrant spirit of cricket across its various formats: Test, ODI, and T20I. 

Balfe, renowned for his work in cinema and television, has created scores for notable productions such as "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1," "Life on Our Planet" narrated by Morgan Freeman, "Black Adam," "Luther: The Fallen Sun," "Top Gun: Maverick," and "Black Widow."

The anthem is set to make its debut during the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup between the USA and Canada in Dallas, Texas, on June 1, 2024.

Created at the renowned Abbey Road Recording Studios in London, the ICC’s new anthem, composed by Lorne Balfe, utilizes a blend of orchestral instruments, cricket equipment, and in-game sounds to craft a stirring and inspiring soundscape. This score evokes the anticipation before the start of play, the triumph at the end of matches, and the celebration of an eventual trophy lift, capturing the rich tapestry of cricket culture and offering a visceral experience for fans across various ICC platforms.

Balfe expressed his enthusiasm for leading this landmark project, describing the anthem as an effort to encapsulate the spirit of cricket. “It’s been a great experience working with the ICC and composing the new anthem. It’s an anthem of unity, aiming to echo the spirit of every boundary crossed and wicket taken in this wonderful, timeless sport,” he said.

Chris Tetley, the ICC Head of Events, shared his satisfaction with the new auditory experience that complements the sport’s intensity. “We are delighted to share this special project with the world. This new sonic brand identity has been in the works for some time, and the process of achieving the final product has been as intricate as the music piece itself.

“We are proud to have a sonic logo that matches the visual work that takes place both on and off the field. The music will serve as an auditory expression of our sport’s unique nation-versus-nation competition and the significance of World Cup events. Our objective is for it to bring cricket top of mind whenever it is heard and to take listeners on the journey of highs, lows, anticipation, and triumph that the sport is well known for.

“It has been a delight to partner with COOL Music Ltd, who has led this project to bring the passion of cricket and music together.”