Crowds, however, started gathering at Hazra from 9, or before, in the morning.

Thousands of people lined on either side of the road along which the vehicle is supposed to pass. People sang, danced, somersaulted on the hot asphalt to express their delight.

The vehicle is supposed to reach the state secretariat where Mamata Banerjee is to welcome them.

After being felicitated in front of the state secretariat the players would move to Eden Gardens where an hour-long cultural programme has been arranged by Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

There was a traffic logjam in large parts of south Kolkata as the main arterial road was blocked by the moving sea of people.

“Shah Rukh Khan, cricketers, the trophy and finally a team that carries the name of the city make such a combination that it is impossible for anybody to resist,” said Samar Sarkar, a PWD employee who came down to the streets to watch the victorious team.