Jubilant Indian cricketers return home after winning Twenty20 World Cup

India's captain Rohit Sharma is surrounded by officials as he lifts the winners' trophy after arriving at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, on July 4, 2024. (AP)
Short Url
Updated 04 July 2024
Follow

Jubilant Indian cricketers return home after winning Twenty20 World Cup

  • Thousands pour out onto the streets of New Delhi as Indian cricketers end ICC trophy drought after 13 years
  • Over last 12 months, India lost World Test Championship final and 50-over World Cup final to Australia 

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.”




Fans gather outside the Indira Gandhi International Airport to get a glimpse of the Indian cricket players before they returned Thursday after winning the T20 Cricket World Cup, in New Delhi, India, on July 4, 2024. (AP)

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.




India's Virat Kohli greets fans as he arrives at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, on July 4, 2024. (AP)

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 1.25 billion rupees ($15 million) for the winning squad.




In this images shared on X by the official page of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Modi holds the Twenty20 World Cup trophy as he poses with the Indian cricket team at his residence in New Delhi, India, on July 4, 2024. (Narendra Modi on X via AP)

Soon after winning the title, Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from international T20 matches.


Danube Group launches UAE’s first cricket-focused digital media platform

Updated 9 sec ago
Follow

Danube Group launches UAE’s first cricket-focused digital media platform

  • Move marks a new front for one of the UAE’s most diversified conglomerates
  • Anis Sajan: Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group is not just a business expansion it is the culmination of my lifelong passion for cricket

DUBAI: Danube Group has entered the digital sports media sector with the launch of Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group, the country’s first cricket-focused digital media platform, under the leadership of its vice chairman, Anis Sajan.

The move marks a new front for one of the UAE’s most diversified conglomerates, expanding its footprint beyond real estate, retail, building materials and hospitality into the fast-growing digital sports media landscape. The platform reflects Danube Group’s strategy of diversification and its focus on consumer-driven, high-growth sectors.

The launch event in Dubai was attended by several international cricket stars, including Dinesh Karthik, Eoin Morgan, JP Duminy, Fakhar Zaman, Angelo Mathews, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Khurram Khan, alongside figures from across the regional sports community.

Speaking at the launch, Sajan said: “Today, Danube Group takes a major leap into a brand-new segment. Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group is not just a business expansion it is the culmination of my lifelong passion for cricket. As the UAE becomes a global hub for the sport, this platform will bring world-class cricket content, storytelling, and exclusive access to fans worldwide.”

Headquartered in Dubai, Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group becomes the first digital media house in the UAE dedicated exclusively to cricket. The platform will initially focus on cricket content, drawing on the UAE’s strong connection to the sport and Sajan’s global network, before expanding into coverage of other major sports as part of a long-term plan to evolve into a multi-sport digital platform.

The platform will offer a wide range of content, including live and real-time cricket coverage, exclusive interviews with international players, premium digital video productions, studio shows, social-first short-form content, documentary-style storytelling rooted in cricket culture, and behind-the-scenes access across global leagues.

The launch comes as the UAE continues to strengthen its position in the global cricket landscape, having hosted major tournaments such as the T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, ILT20, T10 competitions and numerous international fixtures.

“The UAE has truly become a home away from home for people of many nationalities like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, united by their love of cricket, alongside expatriates from England, Australia, South Africa, and beyond who are also cricket lovers,” Sajan added. “Hence, launching a world-class sports media platform here is a step toward cementing the nation’s role not just in hosting the sport, but in shaping how it is consumed by these audiences.”

Danube Group said the move aligns with its long-term vision of innovation, diversification and community engagement, with digital sports media forming a new vertical that combines technology, entertainment and culture.

Sajan underlined the personal significance of the project, saying: “Cricket has always been a passion for me for the last 45 years, will continue to be my passion, and will never be treated as a business.”