The celebratory victory parade for India’s T20 World Cup-winning cricket team in Mumbai took an unexpected turn on Thursday evening, as a surge of enthusiastic fans resulted in injuries and breathing difficulties for several attendees. The incident occurred at Marine Drive, where a massive crowd had gathered to catch a glimpse of the triumphant team.
Eyewitnesses, including Ravi Solanki, shared their experiences, highlighting the lack of crowd management and the chaotic atmosphere. Solanki described a scene of escalating tension as the crowd swelled, with the police struggling to control the situation. He recounted how sudden shouting erupted, causing people to fall over each other in a scramble. The disorganised nature of the gathering, Solanki emphasized, left attendees vulnerable and without proper guidance.
Rishab Mahesh Yadav, one of the individuals affected by the chaotic crowd, recounted how he fell unconscious due to the overwhelming density of people. He explained that the surging crowd caused him to lose his balance and become trapped, leading to difficulty breathing. Fortunately, he received medical attention at a nearby hospital and is recovering.
Earlier in the day, the team, led by Rohit Sharma, had kicked off the open-top bus parade from Marine Drive. The procession was initially filled with jubilant fans celebrating India’s triumph, dancing to the rhythm of their team’s success. Players acknowledged the fervent support of their fans, waving the coveted trophy and expressing their gratitude.
The enthusiasm of the fans was evident as some climbed trees to get a better view of the passing bus, their cheers echoing through the streets. The players, in turn, showered the crowd with tokens of appreciation, distributing cricket balls among the eager attendees.
Throughout the parade, fans eagerly sought selfies and autographs from their sporting heroes, capturing the moment of shared celebration.
Following the parade, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) held a felicitation ceremony for the team at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. During the event, the team was presented with a cheque for ₹ 125 crore, a testament to their remarkable achievement. The entire team, accompanied by BCCI officials, stood on stage as they received the honour, concluding the day’s festivities.
