India's historic T20 triumph, BCCI announces reward, Rs 125 cr bonanza for players, support staff

Chennai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday announced a cash reward of Rs 125 crore for the victorious Indian team for winning the T-20 World Cup title.

In a social media post, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said the team showcased exceptional talent and remained unbeaten in the tournament.

"I am pleased to announce prize money of INR 125 Crores for Team India for winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024", he said.

The team has showcased exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament, Mr Shah added.

In a tense final, India defeated South Africa by seven wickets, rising like a phoenix from the ashes from the brink of defeat.

After scoring 176 for seven, opting to bat first on a challenging pitch, which was largely due to Virat Kohli's first half century of the tournament (76, 59 balls) and timely contributions by Axar Patel and Shivam Dube after India were reduced to 34 for three by the fifth over.

But the Indian bowlers hit back, picking up three wickets before the half way stage, but the Proteas batsmen were in the hunt and required 30 runs of 30 balls.

But magical bowling by speedster and Mr Dependable Jasprit Bumrah and a tight last over by Hardik Pandya, apart from good spell by Arshdeep Singh and a stunning catch by Suryakumar Yadav, helped India nose ahead and win by a narrow seven run margin to win the second T20 World Cup title at Kensington Oval in Barbados in West Indies.

The win triggered wild celebrations across the country and three key cricketers, captain Rohit Sharma,Virat Kohli and all rounder Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20 cricket.

However, the BCCI has confirmed that they will be playing Tests and ODIs and also IPL.

Rewarding the Indian team and the support, the BCCI announced the Rs 125 crore bonanza for their exceptional show.

India's victory was lauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Ministers of various states, former players, including Sachin Tendulkar, M S Dhoni, besides leaders of several political parties.

Congratulatory messages for the Indian team poured from across the Nation.

The iconic M S Dhoni, who was instrumental in India winning first T20 World Cup title in 2007 defeating Pakistan, thanked the Indian team for giving him priceless gift on his birthday, which was yesterday.

“World Cup Champions 2024. My heart rate was up, well done on being calm, having the self belief and doing what you guys did. From all the Indians back home and everywhere in the world a big thank you for bringing the World Cup Home. CONGRATULATIONS,” Dhoni posted on his Instagram handle, adding: “Arreeee thanks for the priceless birthday gift”.