After a three-day delay, the Indian cricket team successfully departed hurricane-hit Barbados and returned home aboard a special flight organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday. Their journey back to New Delhi lasted 16 hours, with the plane touching down at 6:00 AM IST on Thursday morning. Upon arrival, the team, led by Rohit Sharma, was escorted to the ITC Maurya hotel amidst enthusiastic celebrations.

Despite adverse weather conditions, hundreds of supporters gathered at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, brandishing placards and national flags to welcome the victorious team. India had clinched the World Cup title with a thrilling victory over South Africa in Bridgetown last Saturday.

“We’ve waited 13 years for this moment. The team’s World Cup win has made us immensely proud,” said one fan who had been waiting since 4:30 AM.

Following their championship triumph, the team had been stranded in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl’s impact, confined to their hotel until BCCI arranged their special charter flight, dubbed AIC24WC (Air India Champions 24 World Cup).

The flight, carrying the Indian squad, support staff, players’ families, and select BCCI officials, departed Barbados at 4:50 AM local time on Wednesday and touched down in Delhi after the lengthy non-stop journey.

Security was tight at the airport, but it didn’t dampen the festive atmosphere as fans cheered for their favorite players like Virat Kohli, captain Rohit Sharma, and outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid, waving posters.

Two buses awaited the team outside Terminal 3 to transport them to their hotel, from where they would proceed to a reception at the Prime Minister’s residence later in the morning. Players gradually emerged in small groups after completing immigration formalities.