Arrival in Delhi
The Indian cricket team, fresh from their triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, landed in Delhi early Thursday morning. Their Air India flight touched down at Indira Gandhi International Airport around 6:05 AM. By 7:00 AM, the team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, emerged from the airport, with Sharma holding the T20 World Cup trophy aloft, mesmerizing the fans gathered to welcome them.
Warm Welcome by Fans
Hundreds of supporters braved the early hours and the weather to greet their heroes. Holding placards and waving the national flag, they cheered loudly as the team exited the airport. The fans’ excitement was palpable, reflecting the pride and joy the nation felt after the team’s victory over South Africa in the final.
A fan, who had been waiting since 4:30 AM, expressed the sentiment of many: “We have waited for this moment for the past 13 years. The team has made us proud by winning the World Cup.”
Grand Reception at ITC Maurya Hotel
The team proceeded to ITC Maurya Hotel in Chanakyapuri, where another grand reception awaited them. A special cake, decorated in the colors of the Indian team’s jersey, was prepared to honor the champions. The atmosphere was festive, with everyone eager to celebrate the team’s hard-fought victory.
Delay Due to Hurricane Beryl
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and other team members were delayed in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl, which had caused airport closures. A special flight was arranged, allowing Team India to finally arrive in Delhi in the early hours of Thursday. Air India gave their return flight a special call sign: AIC24WC, which stands for Air India Champions 24 World Cup.
Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Later in the day, the team is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at around 11 AM in the national capital. This meeting will be a significant moment, as the Prime Minister will personally congratulate the team on their historic achievement.
Celebratory Events in Mumbai
After their meeting with the Prime Minister, the team will fly to Mumbai for a grand celebration. They are expected to arrive in Mumbai by 4 PM. The highlight of the celebration will be an open-top bus parade, allowing fans across the city to join in the festivities.
Open-Top Bus Parade
The bus parade will start at 5 PM from the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) near Nariman Point. It will travel through the iconic Marine Drive and conclude at the Wankhede Stadium. This route will allow thousands of fans to witness the victorious team and celebrate their success.
Felicitation Event at Wankhede Stadium
The celebrations will culminate with a felicitation event at the Wankhede Stadium, scheduled between 7 and 7:30 PM. This event will honor the players and staff for their outstanding performance and dedication.
Captain’s Message
Indian captain Rohit Sharma tweeted, “It’s coming home,” inviting fans to join the team during the celebratory bus parade. His message resonated with the excitement and pride of the entire nation.
Historical Context
This grand celebration echoes the scenes of 2007 when MS Dhoni led a youthful Indian side to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup. The current victory, marked by a thrilling seven-run win over South Africa in the final, has once again brought immense joy and pride to Indian cricket fans.
The Indian cricket team’s return from the 2024 T20 World Cup has been nothing short of spectacular. From the grand airport welcome to the planned celebrations in Mumbai, the nation is coming together to honor their champions. This victory is a testament to the team’s hard work and resilience, and the celebrations reflect the pride and joy of a cricket-loving nation.
