The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah presented superstar Rajinikanth with a ‘Golden Ticket’ for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, which will commence on October 5 in India.
Giving the Golden Ticket to Rajinikanth, the BCCI called the actor “true embodiment of charisma and cinematic brilliance”. “The legendary actor has left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions, transcending language and culture. We are thrilled to announce that Thalaiva will grace the ICC World Cup 2023 as our distinguished guest and will light up the biggest cricketing spectacle with his presence,” it added.
Graciously accepting the ticket, Rajinikanth took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his happiness for receiving the ticket. “My heartfelt thanks to [the] BCCI…Dear Jayshahji…it was a pleasure to meet you…Thank you very much for your warm words and thoughts,” he tweeted.
Other celebrities who received the Golden Ticket
Besides Rajinikanth, others who were given the Golden Ticket by the BCCI are Sachin Tendulkar and Amitabh Bachchan.
Calling Amitabh Bachchan the “Superstar of the Millennium,” BCCI said he is a legendary actor and a” devoted cricket enthusiast”, adding his unwavering support for Team India inspires everyone.
Reacting to his Golden Ticket, Tendulkar thanked the ICC and BCCI and tweeted, “From serving in the 1987 World Cup as a ball boy to competing in six World Cups from 1992 to 2011, and now receiving this golden ticket in 2023 – it has indeed been a journey woven from dreams and the excitement within me remains undiminished.”
What privileges will the golden ticket holders get?
The Golden Ticket will allow its holders access to all 48 matches of the upcoming ICC World Cup. It is being given to national icons under the ‘Golden Ticket for Golden Icons’ programme. The accreditation card and the ticket says that the holder is the BCCI’s guest and will get a VIP treatment at the stadium, as per CricTracker.