New Delhi: The T20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team is set for a triumphant return home, marked by celebratory events and honours in New Delhi and Mumbai. Departing from Barbados amidst delays caused by Hurricane Beryl, the team, along with its support staff, players' families, and Indian journalists, boarded a special Air India charter flight arranged by the BCCI. This flight, designated with a special call sign - AIC24WC - Air India Champions 24 World Cup, departed in the early hours of Wednesday morning from Grantley Adams International Airport.

BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla confirmed the details, emphasising the comprehensive arrangements made for the team's return. "The flight will land in Delhi at 6 am tomorrow. The team will meet PM Narendra Modi at 11 am at his residence before flying to Mumbai for a series of planned celebrations," Shukla stated. 

Upon arrival in Mumbai at 4:00 pm, the team will kick off the celebrations with an open bus road show starting from Nariman Point. This procession, scheduled to begin around 5:00 pm, will traverse through the iconic Marine Drive, culminating at the Wankhede Stadium. The route promises to be a vibrant display of fanfare and jubilation as supporters join in to celebrate India's victory.

A felicitation ceremony has been organised at the Wankhede Stadium from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm to honour the players and squad members for their stellar performance throughout the tournament. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah extended an invitation to all fans to participate in the victory parade, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Indian cricket.

Rohit Sharma, the captain of the victorious team, also took to social media to express his excitement and encourage fans to join the celebrations. "We want to enjoy this special moment with all of you. So let's celebrate this win with a victory parade at Marine Drive & Wankhede on July 4th from 5:00 pm onwards. It's coming home," Rohit Sharma shared on his social media platform.

The upcoming felicitation event at the Wankhede Stadium echoes a similar celebration held fourteen years ago when Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team won the inaugural T20 World Cup. This victory, achieved with a thrilling seven-run win over South Africa in the final at Kensington Oval, marks a significant achievement for Indian cricket.

As anticipation builds for the team's homecoming, the celebrations in Delhi and Mumbai promise to be memorable occasions, uniting fans and players alike in honouring India's success in the T20 World Cup. PTI