Triumphant Women’s Cricket Team Receives Grand Welcome in Delhi Ahead of PM Modi Meeting

New Delhi, Nov 4: The Indian women’s cricket team received a hero’s welcome at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi on Tuesday evening, after their historic triumph at the ICC Women’s World Cup in Navi Mumbai. The squad arrived in the national capital on a special invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is scheduled to meet him on Wednesday.

The celebrations began the moment the team entered the hotel lobby. Traditional drums (dhol) echoed through the grand entrance as players walked in to cheers, waving tricolours, and rhythmic beats. The hotel staff, along with BCCI officials and fans who had gathered in large numbers, applied tilak on the players’ foreheads as part of a traditional welcome. Many players were seen smiling, dancing, and joining the crowd as festive songs played in the background.

Earlier in the evening, the squad landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport after flying in from Mumbai. Their arrival triggered excitement among fans and aviation staff alike, but the team was escorted swiftly to the hotel to prepare for their meeting with the Prime Minister.

While the BCCI has not announced plans for a victory parade, the Board has confirmed a massive cash prize of ₹51 crore in recognition of the team’s maiden ICC world title. According to officials, the reward will be shared among the players, coaching staff, and the five-member national selection panel.

India’s World Cup victory on Sunday at the DY Patil Stadium has been hailed as one of the greatest milestones in the history of women’s cricket in the country. The rain-interrupted final saw India post a commanding 298/7, led by Player of the Match Shafali Verma’s 87, supported by Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma, who scored a brisk 58.

South Africa, in pursuit of 299, were bowled out for 246, despite a fighting century by captain Laura Wolvaardt (101). Deepti Sharma delivered a match-winning all-round performance, picking up a five-wicket haul. Her dismissal of Nadine de Klerk sealed India’s long-awaited ICC glory, triggering nationwide celebrations as Harmanpreet Kaur and her squad finally lifted the country’s first-ever ICC title in senior women’s cricket.

This victory was especially remarkable considering India’s turbulent start to the tournament, which included three consecutive league-stage losses. The team bounced back with grit, defeating New Zealand to secure a semifinal berth. They then scripted one of the most memorable chases in women’s cricket history—overhauling a massive 339 against defending champions Australia—to storm into the final.

As the players settle into Delhi for their meeting with the Prime Minister, the sense of national pride remains palpable. Following the interaction with PM Modi, team members and support staff are expected to return to their respective hometowns, carrying with them the memories of a historic campaign that has forever changed the course of women’s cricket in India.