On Thursday, amidst heavy rain and traffic, Mumbai witnessed a spectacle as the T20 World Cup victory parade commenced from Nariman Point to the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The streets were packed with enthusiastic fans, making movement difficult as Rohit Sharma’s triumphant Team India made its way through the city.
Just days earlier, after their historic win against South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final at Kensington Oval, Barbados, the Indian team faced unexpected challenges. Hurricane Beryl delayed their departure from Barbados for three days, causing the team and accompanying journalists to be stranded. Finally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) arranged a special charter flight, named Air India Champions 24 World Cup (AIC24WC), to bring the team, support staff, families, and media back home.
The flight landed in New Delhi early morning, greeted by a heroes’ welcome. Rishabh Pant proudly carried the T20 World Cup trophy as they arrived at the ITC Maurya hotel. Shortly thereafter, the team had the honor of meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence, where they shared their victory and experiences. Following a breakfast meeting, the team returned briefly to the hotel before heading to the Delhi airport for their flight to Mumbai.
#WATCH | Celebrations galore atop the Team India bus as the team conducts its victory parade en route Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/NhwrVlvaSg
— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2024
Mumbai’s Grand Celebration
In Mumbai, preparations were underway for a grand reception. An open-top bus awaited Team India outside the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), ready to take them on a victory parade along Marine Drive to Wankhede Stadium. Fans, eager to celebrate India’s first ICC T20 World Cup title, thronged the route, creating a festive atmosphere despite the challenges of rain and traffic.
Felicitation at Wankhede Stadium
The parade, which began at 7:50 PM IST from Nariman Point, culminated at Wankhede Stadium, where a felicitation ceremony awaited the victorious team. Organized by the BCCI, the event was open to the public, allowing fans to join in honoring their cricketing heroes. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and the entire squad were set to be honored for their remarkable achievement.
The journey from the Caribbean to India has been marked by challenges overcome and triumphs celebrated. From delays caused by a hurricane to a jubilant victory parade in Mumbai, Team India’s T20 World Cup victory has captured the nation’s spirit and united cricket fans across the country.
