India’s Champions Trophy glory sparks grand celebrations in Dubai

Dubai: It was a day to remember for cricket fans and supporters of Team India as they celebrated India’s Champions Trophy triumph. Led by Rohit Sharma, India remained unbeaten in the eight-team tournament, which was held in Dubai and three venues in Pakistan.

India overcame a resilient New Zealand side by four wickets in a tense final, triggering massive celebrations across Dubai and beyond. Having won the Twenty20 World Cup title in Barbados last year, India have now ended a 13-year wait for an ICC 50-over trophy. In the last three ICC events — the 2023 50-over World Cup, the T20 World Cup, and the Champions Trophy — India have lost just one match, the 2023 final against Australia in Ahmedabad, making their current run remarkable.

Shyam Bhatia hosts grand celebration

To mark the occasion, Shyam Bhatia, the Dubai-based Indian businessman and cricket promoter, organised a grand celebration at his iconic Shyam Bhatia Cricket Museum in Dubai on Friday. The venue, renowned for its extensive collection of cricket memorabilia, played host to an illustrious gathering of industrialists, cricket fans, and enthusiasts from around the world. Among the attendees was former India opener and current UAE coach Lalchand Rajput, who cut a celebratory cake shaped like the Champions Trophy.

“The first cricket celebration we had was when India won the Twenty20 World Cup in 2007. I was present in the final and I have a bat autographed by all the players,” Bhatia told the gathering. India, under Mahendra Singh Dhoni, defeated Pakistan to win the final by five runs in Johannesburg.

Bhatia was also presented with a stunning 3D laser-engraved crystal plaque by Akbar Sura. The dazzling masterpiece — a marvel of modern technology — immortalised Team India’s triumphant moments with meticulous and intricate details, enhanced by an LED-lit base that added a dynamic visual effect.

India’s road to glory

India’s victory in the Champions Trophy final last Sunday was anything but easy. New Zealand, determined to spoil India’s party, fought hard and threatened to inflict a demoralising defeat on the two-time champions.

Chasing a modest 252, India seemed poised for a comfortable win with Rohit Sharma leading the charge in his signature aggressive style. Gautam Gambhir, India’s coach, has often emphasised that Rohit’s impact goes beyond runs, and in the final, the skipper delivered on both fronts. His crucial knock earned him the Player of the Match award.

Indian community’s unwavering support

The Indian team has always enjoyed tremendous backing from the vibrant Indian community in Dubai. Events like this celebration, along with the widespread festivities across the UAE, are a testament to the passionate support Rohit Sharma and his team received throughout their unbeaten run.