The atmosphere in Mumbai was electric as Team India celebrated their T20 World Cup victory with a grand parade and felicitation. After being hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the team arrived in Mumbai for a BCCI felicitation at the Wankhede Stadium and an open-top bus trophy parade at Marine Drive. Here’s a detailed look at the day’s events:
Arrival and Grand Welcome
The Indian cricket team landed at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to a rousing reception from fans. Despite a busy schedule, including a meeting with PM Narendra Modi earlier in the day, the team was welcomed with cheers and applause. The excitement was palpable as fans eagerly awaited the parade and the chance to see their heroes up close.
Open-Top Bus Parade
The victory parade kicked off at Marine Drive, where thousands of fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the team. The open-top bus made its way through the packed streets of South Mumbai, from Nariman Point to Churchgate, amidst deafening cheers and enthusiastic slogans. The Mumbai Police had to issue advisories on social media, requesting people to avoid the area due to heavy traffic and vehicular restrictions.
Felicitation at Wankhede Stadium
After the parade, the team arrived at the Wankhede Stadium for a BCCI felicitation function. The stadium gates were opened at 4 pm for fans on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing them to be part of the celebrations. The stadium erupted with cheers as Rohit Sharma heaped praise on Hardik Pandya and other teammates for their stellar performances. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and pride as the crowd celebrated the team’s success.
Vehicular Restrictions in Mumbai
In light of the massive turnout, the Mumbai traffic police closed seven roads in South Mumbai and prohibited parking on ten roads to ensure the smooth flow of the parade. The detailed vehicular restrictions helped manage the large crowds and ensured the safety of everyone involved.
Journey from Barbados to New Delhi
Team India faced a challenging journey due to a hurricane in Barbados, but they were flown out in a specially-arranged charter flight. The team traveled from Barbados to New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on an Air India flight AIC24WC — Air India Champions 24 World Cup. The 16-hour non-stop journey brought the team to Delhi, where they were warmly welcomed before heading to Mumbai.
Celebrating Victory Over South Africa
The celebrations were a culmination of Team India’s hard-fought victory over South Africa in the final in Bridgetown, where they won by seven runs. The triumph was not just a win on the field but a moment of immense national pride, bringing joy and unity to millions of cricket fans across the country.
The T20 World Cup victory parade and celebrations in Mumbai were a testament to the passion and love Indian fans have for cricket. From the grand welcome at the airport to the thrilling parade and the joyous felicitation at Wankhede Stadium, the day was filled with unforgettable moments of pride and celebration. Team India’s victory has etched a new chapter in the history of Indian cricket, inspiring future generations and uniting the nation in their shared love for the game.
