New Delhi: The triumphant Indian cricket team, fresh from their T20 World Cup victory in Barbados, touched down in New Delhi today. The world champion players, led by captain Rohit Sharma, were greeted with fervor by hundreds of fans at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Their arrival was delayed due to the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which left them stranded on the Caribbean island for three days.
Stranded by Cyclone Beryl: A Tale of Resilience
The players endured a nerve-wracking wait as Barbados faced the wrath of Cyclone Beryl. The airport closure and the storm’s ferocious winds reaching speeds of 257 kilometers per hour kept them grounded. Despite the adversity, the team’s spirit remained unbroken. Support staff, BCCI officials, and players’ families stood together, awaiting their safe return.
Special Flight Home: From Barbados to Delhi
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stepped in, arranging a special Air India flight designated AIC24WC (Air India Champions 24 World Cup) to bring the champions back home. The Boeing 777 jet departed Bridgetown, Barbados, at 4:50 am local time on Wednesday, embarking on a nonstop 16-hour journey. Onboard, the T20 World Cup trophy gleamed, a testament to India’s cricketing prowess.
Delhi Welcomes Its Heroes
As dawn broke over Delhi, fans gathered outside the airport, eager for a glimpse of their cricketing idols. Some had been waiting since 4 am, fueled by anticipation. When Team India finally emerged, chants of “India-India” echoed through the air. Mobile phones captured every moment videos, photos, and selfies as the players made their way to the awaiting buses.
Meeting with PM Modi and Celebrations Ahead
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet the victorious squad at 11 am today. Later, the team will head to Mumbai, where an open bus victory parade awaits. The Wankhede Stadium will host a grand felicitation ceremony, honoring the players who clinched India’s second T20 World Cup title. For Rohit Sharma and his men, this victory is more than just a cricketing triumph it’s a dream come true for a billion fans.