Cricket

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the victorious Indian cricket team at his residence in New Delhi, celebrating their triumph in the recently concluded T20 World Cup. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, defeated South Africa in the final to claim their second T20 World Cup title.During the meeting, Modi expressed his admiration for the team's performance and engaged in a lively conversation about their experiences throughout the tournament. The players shared their insights on the challenges they faced and the strategies they employed to overcome them.Modi praised the team's resilience and determination, particularly in the face of adversity. He highlighted the importance of teamwork and the spirit of sportsmanship that had guided them to victory. The players expressed their gratitude for the Prime Minister's support and encouragement.The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to present Modi with a customized Team India jersey bearing his name and the number '1'. This gesture symbolized the team's appreciation for the Prime Minister's leadership and his unwavering support for Indian cricket.The Prime Minister's Office released a video of the meeting, showcasing the players in a relaxed conversation with Modi. The atmosphere was jovial, with the players visibly delighted to share their experiences with the Prime Minister.The Indian cricket team's victory in the T20 World Cup has been hailed as a historic achievement. It marks the team's second T20 World Cup title and further cements their status as one of the most dominant forces in international cricket.

Virat Kohli, the celebrated Indian batsman, arrived in Delhi on Thursday morning to a warm welcome from his family and fans after leading India to a thrilling victory in the T20 World Cup. India secured the title for the second time by defeating South Africa by seven runs in the final held in Barbados on Saturday.Kohli, who announced his retirement from the shortest format of cricket after the tournament, played a crucial role in India's triumph. Despite a challenging start with only 75 runs across the first seven innings, he peaked in the crucial moments, scoring 76 runs off 59 deliveries in the final. His innings, which included six fours and two sixes, helped India post a competitive total of 169/8.Throughout the tournament, Kohli accumulated 151 runs over eight innings, averaging 18.87 and maintaining a strike rate of 112.68. His half-century in the final was a testament to his resilience and determination.Kohli's sister, Bhawna Kohli Dhingra, shared celebratory moments on her Instagram account, writing, "Celebrating the win SUPERPROUD." These images also received acknowledgment from Anushka Sharma, Kohli's wife and a well-known actress, who liked the posts on Instagram.The Indian team's return to Delhi was met with enthusiasm from fans eager to welcome the champions and catch a glimpse of the trophy. The team's departure from Barbados was delayed due to Hurricane Beryl, a category four hurricane, which led to the closure of Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown for three days. The flight back to Delhi, organized by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, took off on July 2 and arrived early Thursday morning, carrying team members, support staff, their families, and members of the media.India's triumph in the final ended a 13-year wait for an ICC trophy. Key performances included Kohli's 76 runs, Hardik Pandya's 3/20, and Jasprit Bumrah's 2/18, which collectively restricted South Africa to 169/8. Bumrah, with 15 wickets at an economy rate of 4.17, was named the 'Player of the Tournament.'To celebrate the victory, the team, led by Rohit Sharma, will partake in an open-top bus parade in Mumbai, passing through Marine Drive and the iconic Wankhede Stadium, starting at 5:00 pm. This event allows fans to join in the celebrations and honor the team's achievement in winning the prestigious T20 World Cup.

Team India's triumphant return from the World Cup was met with a grand welcome at the ITC Maurya Hotel in New Delhi on Thursday morning. Despite the delay and fatigue from their journey, the Men in Blue were in high spirits as they boarded the bus to the hotel, where they received a hero's welcome with loud cheers.Skipper Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammad Siraj showcased their dancing skills outside the hotel on the beats of barrel and kettle drums. However, it was Suryakumar Yadav who stole the spotlight with his energetic dance moves, much to the delight of fans and onlookers.Upon their arrival at the hotel, the team was greeted with cheers and applause from the staff. The players, visibly thrilled by the enthusiastic reception, joined in the celebration, marking their triumphant return from the World Cup.The reception at the ITC Maurya Hotel has set the tone for what promises to be a series of celebrations honoring the team's success. The players and their families will have a brief period of rest before their scheduled meeting with PM Narendra Modi, where they will be congratulated for their outstanding performance on the global stage.Suryakumar Yadav's infectious dance moves have become a symbol of the team's joy and camaraderie. His performance outside the hotel has captured the hearts of fans and has become a viral sensation on social media.The team's return to India has been met with widespread praise and admiration. Their success in the World Cup has brought pride and joy to the nation, and their reception at the ITC Maurya Hotel is a testament to their achievements.

Sophie Ecclestone, the world's top-ranked bowler in both T20Is and ODIs, has been a dominant force in women's cricket for nearly five years. However, keeping her motivated remains a priority for the England Women's team.Ecclestone's exceptional left-arm spin has terrorized opposition batters, with her recent 5-wicket haul against New Zealand highlighting her prowess. England captain Heather Knight acknowledges the need to keep Ecclestone engaged, stating, "She loves taking wickets and we have to do some funky fields to keep her interested."Head coach Jon Lewis emphasizes the importance of ensuring Ecclestone's enjoyment of the game. "She has an incredible talent, and our job is to make sure she keeps enjoying her cricket," he said.Ecclestone attributes her motivation to the camaraderie within the team and the thrill of competition. "That definitely keeps me interested, that I travel the world with my best mates and you play cricket for your country with your best mates," she said. "And the competition, I love the competition. Ashes series, World Cup finals, super overs in a World Cup, that's what I live for, that's what I train for."Ecclestone's journey began in 2016, and she has since become England's leading wicket-taker in T20Is. She also has an impressive ODI record, with 108 wickets at an exceptional economy rate of 3.66.Despite missing out on England's 2017 World Cup triumph, Ecclestone has played a crucial role in the team's subsequent success. She is eager to add a World Cup and Ashes victory to her resume, with the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and the Ashes series in Australia being key motivators."It's just win a World Cup and an Ashes," Ecclestone said. "That World Cup at Lord's, that was the last World Cup [England] won and we've not won an Ashes since because I've been a part of them all, so it'd be really nice to do that in the space of six months, win the World Cup in Bangladesh, win the Ashes. It would be an amazing few months for us."Ecclestone's humility and team-oriented mindset are evident in her praise for her fellow spinners, Sarah Glenn and Charlie Dean. "It's a nice little trio, me, Glenny, and Deano, and we all bring something different whether it's on the pitch or off the pitch," she said.Ecclestone's infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to her team make her an invaluable asset. As she continues to dominate the world of bowling, her teammates and fans alike can expect more exceptional performances and a continued pursuit of cricketing glory.

Glamorgan's valiant pursuit of a world-record run chase ended in a thrilling tie against Gloucestershire in a captivating Vitality County Championship Second Division match at Cheltenham.Set a daunting target of 593, Glamorgan's hopes rested on skipper Sam Northeast and overseas star Marnus Labuschagne. The pair forged a 153-run partnership, with Northeast reaching his century and Labuschagne falling just short of his.Despite the loss of Labuschagne, Glamorgan remained determined. Chris Cooke and Northeast extended the partnership, with Northeast reaching his 150 and setting a new record for the highest fourth innings score in English first-class cricket.As the tension mounted, Gloucestershire's bowlers fought back. Matt Taylor dismissed Northeast, and Ajeet Singh Dale removed Tim van der Gugten. With 32 runs still needed, Mason Crane and Tom Gorvin came together.Gorvin departed, but Crane remained resolute. He dominated the strike, scampering a single off the penultimate ball to leave last man Jamie McIlroy needing just one run to win. However, McIlroy edged Singh Dale's final delivery to wicketkeeper James Bracey, who took his tenth catch of the match.The tie earned both sides 11 points, with Glamorgan setting the highest fourth innings score in any first-class game played in England and the third highest worldwide. The match also marked the first tied game in English county cricket in six years.

The Indian cricket team, fresh from their triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024, finally returned home to a hero's welcome after being stranded in Bridgetown, Barbados for three days due to a category 4 hurricane. The team departed on a chartered Air India flight from the Grantley Adams International Airport on July 3, arriving in Delhi on Thursday morning.The Indian squad, along with its support staff, players' families, and board officials, boarded the flight, which was arranged by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The team had been scheduled to leave on July 2 but was delayed due to the late arrival of the plane.The Boeing 777, which had flown in from New Jersey, USA, landed in Barbados around 2 a.m. local time. Airport staff stated that it was the largest aircraft they had ever seen at the Grantley Adams International Airport, which had resumed operations on Tuesday.The Indian team's victory in the T20 World Cup was a thrilling affair, with the team pulling off a seven-run win over South Africa in the final. The triumph ended an 11-year trophy drought for India.Upon their return, the players were greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries. Plans are also underway for a road show in Mumbai to honor the triumphant team.The Indian team's journey home was not without its challenges. Hurricane Beryl, which had caused the team's initial delay, was now headed towards Jamaica. However, the BCCI managed to secure a charter flight to bring the players home safely.The team's return marks a significant moment in Indian cricket history. The T20 World Cup victory is a testament to the team's hard work, dedication, and resilience. The players' triumph has brought joy and pride to the nation and has inspired a new generation of cricketers.

Virat Kohli's Emotional Tribute to His Father After T20 World Cup TriumphIndian cricket legend Virat Kohli's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup was made even more poignant by a heartwarming fan-edited photograph that went viral on social media. The image depicted Kohli lifting the trophy alongside his father, Prem Nath, who passed away in 2006.Kohli has often spoken about the profound influence his father had on his cricketing journey. Prem Nath was a pillar of support during Kohli's formative years, instilling in him a love for the game and a relentless work ethic.The photoshopped image, created by Instagram user 'ind_cyborg,' captured the essence of Kohli's emotional connection to his father. It showed Kohli holding the T20 World Cup trophy with his father standing beside him, a proud smile on his face.Fans of Kohli and the Indian cricket team were deeply moved by the image. Many tagged Kohli and his wife, Anushka Sharma, on social media, expressing their hope that the star would see the edit."OMGGG @imVkohli should def see this one!" tweeted one fan.Kohli's victory in the T20 World Cup was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. After a disappointing run of form, he rose to the occasion in the final, scoring a match-winning 76 off 59 balls.His performance earned him the 'Player of the Match' award and helped India secure a dramatic seven-run victory over South Africa.Following the match, Kohli announced his retirement from T20I cricket. He expressed his belief that it was time for the next generation to take the game forward."This was an open secret," Kohli said. "Not something that I wasn't going to announce even if we had lost. Time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward."Despite his retirement from T20I cricket, Kohli is expected to continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he is likely to be retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Indian Cricket Team's Triumphant Return to Delhi Amidst Tight SecurityNEW DELHI: The Indian cricket team, fresh from their historic T20 World Cup victory, is set to arrive in the national capital on Thursday morning, prompting extensive security measures by the Delhi Police.The team is expected to land at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) around 6 am on a chartered flight from Barbados. From the airport, they will be escorted to the ITC Maurya Hotel in a convoy of vehicles accompanied by armed policemen.To ensure the team's safety and manage the anticipated crowds, the police have deployed a robust security apparatus along the route from the airport to the hotel. Two companies of paramilitary personnel will be stationed around the hotel and key routes in central Delhi.Fans are expected to gather along the travel routes and outside the hotel to celebrate the team's triumph. The police have advised the public to avoid large gatherings and maintain social distancing norms.After arriving at the hotel, the team will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence at 11 am. They are scheduled to depart for Mumbai at 4 pm.In Mumbai, the team will participate in an open bus road show followed by a felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium. The event is expected to draw a massive crowd of fans eager to witness the victorious team.The Delhi Police have urged the public to cooperate with the security arrangements and avoid any inconvenience. They have also requested fans to refrain from using drones or other flying objects near the team's convoy or the hotel.

Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the upcoming Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024. The tournament will be held from July 1 to 21, featuring five franchises competing across three iconic venues in Colombo, Dambulla, and Kandy.Clarke, a legendary cricketer with an illustrious international career, expressed his excitement about returning to Sri Lanka for the LPL. "It's an honor to be in Sri Lanka for the LPL," he said. "I have very fond memories here, as one of my first Australian tours was an Under-19 World Cup in this country."The 43-year-old Clarke believes that the LPL will play a crucial role in developing Sri Lankan cricket. "This tournament is very important as it will help grow Sri Lankan cricket as well," he said. "I'm excited to see some young faces who can be the face of Sri Lankan cricket in the coming time."Clarke joins a prestigious list of LPL brand ambassadors, including cricket icons Vivian Richards, Wasim Akram, and Sanath Jayasuriya. His appointment is expected to further enhance the tournament's profile and attract global attention.The LPL 2024 will feature a total of 24 matches, with each franchise playing each other twice in the league stage. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs, culminating in the final on July 21.The tournament is expected to showcase some of the best cricketing talent from Sri Lanka and around the world. It will provide a platform for young players to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience.