Indian Women’s Cricket Team Receives Hero’s Welcome in Delhi Ahead of Meeting with PM Modi

New Delhi, November 4:
Fresh from their historic ICC Women’s World Cup triumph in Navi Mumbai, the Indian women’s cricket team was greeted with a grand celebration upon arriving in the national capital on Tuesday evening. The players are in Delhi on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a formal meeting scheduled for Wednesday, sources confirmed.

The team’s arrival at the Taj Palace Hotel turned into a joyous affair, marked by the beats of dhol, vibrant cheers, and emotional scenes. Fans and hotel staff gathered to welcome the champions, applying traditional vermilion tilak on the players’ foreheads as they entered to a chorus of drums, dancing, and chants of “India, India.” The Tricolour waved proudly as celebratory music echoed through the lobby.

Earlier, the squad had landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport from Mumbai, before proceeding directly to the hotel for the warm reception.

While the BCCI has not yet announced plans for an official victory parade, Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the Board has declared a cash reward of ₹51 crore to honour the team’s remarkable achievement — India’s first-ever ICC title in women’s cricket. The reward will be shared among players, support staff, and the national selection committee.

Sunday’s rain-affected final at a packed DY Patil Stadium saw India post a commanding 298/7, led by Shafali Verma’s 87 and Deepti Sharma’s 58. In response, South Africa were bowled out for 246, with Deepti capping her stellar performance by claiming a five-wicket haul and earning the Player of the Tournament title.

Her dismissal of Nadine de Klerk sparked nationwide celebrations as Harmanpreet Kaur’s team finally ended India’s long wait for a global trophy in senior women’s cricket.

The victory was the culmination of a stunning comeback campaign. After losing three consecutive matches in the league stage, India bounced back by defeating New Zealand and then chasing a record 339-run target against defending champions Australia in the semifinals — before scripting history in the final.

Following their meeting with Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday, the players and support staff are expected to return to their respective hometowns.

For millions of fans across India, the team’s return has become a moment of immense pride — one that symbolizes resilience, belief, and a new dawn for Indian women’s cricket.