Ahmedabad, March 8 (NationPress) Just hours away from the first ball of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, the vibe outside the Narendra Modi Stadium is already buzzing, and it's not solely due to the face-off between India and New Zealand. For numerous millennials flocking to the world's largest cricket venue this Sunday, the main draw isn't just the cricket showdown but the opportunity to see their childhood idol, Ricky Martin, perform live.

Groups of enthusiastic fans were already singing Livin’ la Vida Loca as they awaited entry, with many confessing that the chance to witness the pop superstar's performance at the closing ceremony was a primary reason for purchasing their tickets.

“We came here mainly for Ricky. He has been a part of our lives since we were kids,” a group of fans shared with IANS, brimming with excitement. “As millennials, we adore cricket, but our love for Ricky is undeniable,” added another fan.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final is set to be an extraordinary blend of sports and music, featuring Ricky Martin as the headliner for the closing ceremony, alongside renowned Indian artists Falguni Pathak and Sukhbir Singh.

Combining global star power with the vibrant rhythms of Indian music, the ceremony will showcase spectacular performances from these three acclaimed artists just before co-hosts India compete against New Zealand in the tournament's climactic finale.

A two-time Grammy Award winner and five-time Latin Grammy Award winner, Ricky Martin is set to bring his unmistakable stadium energy to Ahmedabad. Renowned for hits like Livin’ la Vida Loca, She Bangs, and the legendary football anthem The Cup of Life (La Copa de la Vida), Martin has set the standard for stadium performances over the years, and now, he adds the world’s largest cricket stadium to his impressive list of iconic venues.

Previously, Martin expressed his eagerness to perform at this grand event's closing ceremony.

“Both sport and music have a remarkable ability to unite people, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 embodies that shared enthusiasm,” Martin stated. “It’s a privilege to be part of such a momentous occasion where millions of fans gather with immense energy and passion for the game. I can't wait to perform at the Closing Ceremony and celebrate the excitement of this tournament with fans in the stadium and across the globe.”

The gates at the Narendra Modi Stadium opened at 3:30 PM (IST), with the closing ceremony performances scheduled to commence at 5:30 PM IST, ahead of the highly anticipated final at 7:00 PM (IST).

With an audience of thousands expected and millions tuning in worldwide, the closing ceremony is poised to present a stunning cultural celebration before cricket’s premier T20 event reaches its thrilling conclusion.