The Indian cricket team finally commenced their return journey to Delhi on a chartered flight from Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport on Wednesday. After winning the T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa in the final in Barbados, the team had been stranded for three days due to a category 4 hurricane.
The special Air India charter flight, designated AIC24WC — “Air India Champions 24 World Cup” — departed around 4:50 am local time and is expected to arrive in the Indian capital on Thursday at approximately 6:20 am (IST).
Captain Rohit Sharma shared a photo on Instagram, posing with the trophy inside the aircraft, captioned “Coming home.”
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The flight, arranged by the BCCI, carries the Indian squad, support staff, players’ families, board officials, and members of the traveling media. The Rohit Sharma-led team secured the title with a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the final on Saturday.
The Boeing 777, originating from New Jersey, USA on July 2, landed in Barbados around 2 am local time. Airport staff noted they had never seen a larger aircraft land at Grantley Adams International Airport, which resumed operations on Tuesday.
Initially, the Indian team was scheduled to depart around 6 pm local time on July 2 and arrive in India at 7:45 pm (IST) on Wednesday. However, the departure was delayed due to the late arrival of the plane.
Upon their return, the players are set to be honored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi within hours of landing in the country. Additionally, plans are underway for a road-show in Mumbai to celebrate the victorious team, which ended an 11-year trophy drought. Meanwhile, Hurricane Beryl is now moving towards Jamaica.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet the Men’s Indian Cricket Team tomorrow at 11 am. The team, bringing home the #T20WorldCup2024 trophy, will arrive from Barbados early morning on July 4.