"First-come, first-preference": MCA opens free public entry for Team India's felicitation ceremony at Wankhede Stadium after T20 World Cup 2024 win
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) secretary, Ajinkya Naik, announced that Team India's felicitation ceremony at Wankhede Stadium will be free for the fans to attend on a first-come, first-preference basis. The team returned to India from Barbados on Thursday (July 4) after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 29.
Team India will hold a victory parade in Mumbai, starting at 5 p.m. IST. After that, a felicitation ceremony will be held at Wankhede Stadium. The ceremony will see the Indian players, coaches, and support staff members be awarded INR 125 crore, which BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced after the Men in Blue's victory over South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
“The MCA has scheduled events with the guidance of the BCCI and the Mumbai Police. In addition to the university gate, fans will be able to enter for free on a first-come, first-preference basis through gates 2, 3, and 4,” Ajinkya Naik said while talking to ANI.
“We are in constant communication with the Mumbai police. Maximum police presence is expected, and MCA has also made arrangements for private protection,” MCA secretary said on tackling the huge crowd and safety of players.
The Rohit Sharma-led Indian side created history on June 29, winning their second T20 World Cup title. It was the Men in Blue’s first ICC trophy since 2013 (the Champions Trophy). The duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma also announced their retirements from the shortest format of the game after winning the title.
Team India arrived in New Delhi in the early hours of July 4
Rohit Sharma and company landed in New Delhi on July 4 after winning the World Cup. The Men in Blue were greeted with love, as fans cheered continuously for the team at the airport and their hotel.
The Indian players were in a celebratory mood when they reached the ITC Maurya Hotel, as captain Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya were seen dancing their hearts out. The Men in Blue will first meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi before flying to Mumbai for the victory parade.