Katy Perry to rock cricket fans at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

In a major coup for organisers, singer Katy Perry will perform at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the MCG on International Women’s Day.

EXCLUSIVE

Pop superstar Katy Perry will boost international cricket’s bid to set a new crowd record at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the MCG on March 8.

The organising committee of the world cup have scored a massive coup securing the Roar singer to perform at the pre-match entertainment and a post-final concert at the hallowed sporting arena on 2020 International Women’s Day.

Katy Perry will be performing at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the MCG. Picture: Getty Images

The ICC wants to claim the world record for attendance at a women’s sporting event which was set at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup in California.

Perry said she appreciated the skill of the women’s game and was excited to be part of the celebrations of the sport on such a significant day for gender equality.

“I wish I had more time to follow sports regularly, but I love the community around

sports, which is similar to music, where everyone gets together under one roof and

cheers and sings among strangers,” she said.

“To be able to be part of this women’s championship final on International Women’s Day is so special. Any empowerment I can provide for the cause of equality is one I want to be a part of.”

Katy Perry is set to wow cricket fans. Picture: Getty

The pop chart-topper, who has been a frequent musical tourist to Australia over her career, said she was aware of Cricket Australia’s initiative to top up any prize money won by the Australian women’s team at next year’s T20 World Cup to ensure parity with the men’s equivalent winnings.

“That is wonderful to know,” she said about the pay boost for the T20 team.

“I do feel a special connection to strong women who are doing what they love and getting the shine for it. That they feel connected to me and my songs is a special honour and why I write.”

Organising committee CEO Nick Hockley said the T20 women’s final was a “once in a generation opportunity” to set a new crowd record and Australia was the country to do it.

The signing of Katy Perry is a major coup for organisers.

More than one million fans are expected to watch the T20 World Cup men’s and women’s matches in Australia next year, with the women’s contest kicking off on February 21 - 100 days from now - with a blockbuster match between defending champions Australia and India in Sydney.

Tickets, including for the women’s final, will start from $5 for children and $20 for adults.

“We have great confidence Australia will get right behind it,” he said.

“We are seeing incredible momentum in the development of cricket as a sport for women and girls. ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia is a perfectly timed opportunity to accelerate this change.”

Katy Perry is one of the most sought-after superstars for big event gigs.

He said those approached Perry because of her multi-generational appeal to Australian audiences.

“This is a world event so we wanted someone at a global level and T20 as a format appeals to the broader demographic,” he said.

“She’s an amazing performer and the day marries to a day celebrating the achievement of women and girls. We want to celebrate the world we want to see.”

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Perry is one of the most sought-after superstars for big event gigs, including her legendary halftime set at the Superbowl in 2015 which was just a little hijacked by the infamous Left Shark performance.

“I’m not as up close and personal at the sporting events, so I always make sure to

bring only the biggest show,” she said.

“The energy is amazing, but they didn’t necessarily come for me! It makes me want to work extra hard to both win them over and keep the pace up for such a hyped atmosphere.

“We’re still in the process of developing what’s going to be best for this particular

evening, but more is always more.”

The pop phenomenon, who has one of the biggest Instagram followings in the world, also hopes to meet her Australian cricketing namesake Ellyse Perry.

“I heard she is the youngest to ever represent Australia in cricket. What a phenom!

And she plays two sports, too. I’d love to meet her,” the pop star said.

Perry’s performance at the MCG at the final will be her only gig during her visit to Australia next March.

Originally published as Katy Perry to rock cricket fans at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup