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Cricket fever reached new heights in India as the victorious T20 World Cup team returned home in a dramatic, Air India-orchestrated rescue mission. Their return, delayed by Hurricane Beryl, became a story of resilience on and off the field.
Stranded Champions: Following their thrilling win on June 29th, the team faced an unexpected hurdle – Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm, grounded their planned Emirates flight out of Barbados. Stuck for three days, social media buzzed with concerns about their return.
Air India to the Rescue: In a surprising move, Air India diverted a scheduled New York-Delhi commercial flight (Boeing 777) to Barbados. This “Air India Champions 24 World Cup” (AIC24WC) charter flight, coordinated with the BCCI, brought the team home. The decision caused some inconvenience for the originally scheduled passengers, but Air India successfully rebooked them on other flights.
DGCA Seeks Explanation: While the nation celebrated, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) requested a report from Air India. Canceling a commercial flight for a charter raises questions under DGCA regulations, and the airline is expected to provide a detailed explanation.
A Hero’s Welcome Awaits: Despite the delay, the excitement remained high. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet the champions on July 4th, followed by a grand victory parade in Mumbai. This win, India’s first ICC title in 11 years, is a moment of national pride.
From Stranded to Celebrated: The story of the T20 World Cup champions’ return is a testament to both their on-field grit and the behind-the-scenes support that ensured a triumphant homecoming. With celebrations on the horizon, India gears up to honor their cricket heroes.
