With the eagerly awaited ICC World Twenty 20 underway in India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) embarked on a series of different on-ground activities in major cities to promote the mega event. The activities, all of which began roughly around the start of the tournament, have helped keep the interest and excitement levels going in the host cities as the tournament progresses.
Mumbai
When the tournament began, Mumbai’s Dabbawalas (lunchbox carriers) wore ICC WT20 branded T-shirts for a period of two weeks as they went about delivering dabbas. Approximately 50,000 lunchboxes were delivered in sleeves branded with the event logo. A handout of the complete tournament schedule was provided along with each. Once the tournament entered the Super 10 stage, a contingent of 25 Dabbawalas wearing branded ICC WT20 topis (traditional Indian caps) and waistcoats added to the crowd strength for three Super 10 matches. In another activity, the massive pylon towers of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link were lit up with the official colours of the event logo.
Kolkata
The magnificent Howrah Bridge, which is a landmark of the city, has been lit up in magenta – the most prominent colour in the event logo – for the duration of the tournament.
Dharamsala
The streets in the McLeod Ganj suburb of Dharamsala came alive with roof lights and animation arcs depicting cricketing action and the event logo.
Chennai
Chennai paid a tribute to the spirit of the game with a specially sculpted sand art installation on Marina Beach depicting the flags of the participating countries, a miniature replica of a cricket stadium, a bat, and a ball. The installation was opened for public viewing on the evening of March 15, 2016.
Delhi
March 11 saw an entire train on the Delhi Metro wrapped in decal with WT20 branding. The branding will last for the duration of the tournament.
Bengaluru and Mohali
Starting March 15, WT20 promo videos were projected on the main facades of prominent buildings in the two cities – Forum Mall (Bengaluru) and North Country Mall (Mohali).
Nagpur
An in-lit helium balloon, 20 feet in diameter and branded with the WT20 logo, was released 70feet into the air above the old VCA stadium in the Civil Lines area and held there between March 14-28.
