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And the boys return to a chaotic welcome
Music and fanfare was punctuated by slogans, not to mention the shouting and jostling by fans.
The arrival of the victorious Indian team at the Indira Gandhi International Airport was a chaotic phenomenon. Hordes of journalists and photographers were joined by hundreds of hangers-on and groups of people brought in by team sponsors, tournament sponsors and political parties.
The music and fanfare was punctuated by slogans, not to mention the shouting and jostling as those on duty, and those who wanted a piece of action, struggled to get a sight of the players.
The scene inside was not any different, as people managed to filter in as far as the immigration area. The luggage conveyor belt became a vantage point and people had to be cajoled and pushed off before the team's equipment could be off-loaded.
Board secretary SK Nair faced the journalists outside alone, professing that the team was too tired and harassed to come out from the arrival gate. He made the usual noises about cricket being the winner and the hospitality that the squad received in Pakistan.
Earlier, the team had a celebration of sorts on board the aircraft as well as skipper Sourav Ganguly opened a bottle of champagne and the members of the squad and the attendant mediapersons joined-in in the party.
However, most of those waiting in Delhi were disappointed as the team was smuggled out through the departure area. While the those headed for Mumbai moved to the domestic terminal to catch a flight, some members of the squad would be leaving Delhi in the morning.
Warm send-off
Islamabad: Earlier, the team was given a farewell by the Pakistan Cricket Board, security officials, staff at the hotel and fans here, adds PTI.
Before they left, the cricketers had a meeting with PCB Chief Shaharayar Khan at a conference room of the hotel.
The PCB chief later presented mementoes to Indian cricket officials.
The team was later seen off at the Islamabad airport by Rawalpindi Mayor Tariq Kiani, PCB General Manager Zakhir Khan and other civil and police officials.
Before they boarded the flight, the Indian cricketers were seen exchanging pleasantries with police official Sohail Khan who coordinated the security arrangements during their stay.
