NEW DELHI: Jubilant India cricketers have received a rousing welcome home from fans after winning the Twenty20 World Cup final in Barbados.
India skipper Rohit Sharma held up the World Cup trophy after arriving at New Delhi International Airport early Thursday morning.
Hundreds of supporters were gathered at the airport, many waving the national flag and chanting “India, India.”
There were thousands more waiting to continue the celebrations, which started Saturday and were about to ramp up. Some of the players danced to drum beats when they reached their hotel.
India pulled off a sensational seven-run win against South Africa in a gripping final last weekend, ending a drought in global International Cricket Council limited-overs competitions.
The team’s return from the Caribbean was delayed because of a shutdown forced by Hurricane Beryl in Barbados.
“It’s a lifetime experience,” cricket official Arun Dhumal said.
The T20 triumph was India’s first World Cup title since it won the 50-over version in 2011.
Over the last 12 months, India lost the World Test Championship final to Australia in England and the 50-over World Cup final at home, also to the Australians.
After meeting India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the cricketers were due to fly to Mumbai and participate in an open bus roadshow, followed by a celebration ceremony later Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced a cash bonus of $15 million for the winning squad.
Soon after winning the title, Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from international T20 matches.
Jubilant Indian cricketers return home after winning the Twenty20 World Cup
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Jubilant Indian cricketers return home after winning the Twenty20 World Cup
- India pulled off a sensational seven-run win against South Africa in a gripping final last weekend
Bayern confirms contract talks with England captain Harry Kane have begun
- The move to Germany saw him win a long-awaited first major trophy of his career as Bayern won the Bundesliga last season
FRANKFURT: Harry Kane could be set for a longer stay in Germany after Bayern Munich confirmed it’s in talks to extend the England captain’s contract.
Kane joined Bayern from Tottenham in 2023 on a contract running to the end of next season. The move to Germany saw him win a long-awaited first major trophy of his career as Bayern won the Bundesliga last season.
He’s been the Bundesliga’s top scorer twice since then and, with 21 goals in 19 Bundesliga games this season, could yet chase down Robert Lewandowski’s single-season record of 41 goals.
“We’re talking and it’s clear to everyone that there has to be a decision at some stage,” Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl said at a league event Monday. “We’re waiting for an answer from (defender Dayot Upamecano) and we’re talking with Harry.”
Kane has scored 119 goals in 126 games for Bayern — breaking longstanding German records along the way — and has 34 in 30 games for Bayern in all competitions this season.
Chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen indicated talks could move at a relaxed pace.
“Harry has a lot of trust. He feels very good in Munich,” Dreesen said in comments reported by German agency dpa. “We have absolutely no reason to hurry.”
