Team India ended their long-standing ICC trophy drought as they defeated South Africa by seven runs to lift the T20 World Cup 2024 title in Barbados on Saturday (June 29).
A day after the historic win, BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced a staggering prize money of INR 125 Crores for the Indian team.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shah wrote: “I am pleased to announce prize money of INR 125 Crores for Team India for winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The team has showcased exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and support staff for this outstanding achievement!”
Over the last decade, India came close to winning the ICC tournament on numerous occasions. However, they were failing to cross the knockout hurdles.
The fortunes changed for the Men in Blue on Saturday as they clinched their second T20 World Cup title by beating the Proteas in a nail-biting final.
In a detailed statement, Jay Shah applauded the Rohit Sharma and his men for fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.
“Today, I stand before you, along with all of India, filled with immense pride and admiration for Team India's remarkable achievements on the global stage. This team truly embodies a rising, vibrant, and resilient India, asserting its rightful place in the world of cricket. I am delighted that, as the governing body of the sport in India, the BCCI has played a part in this team's success through our relentless focus on identifying, grooming, and nurturing the right talent. Our commitment to grassroots development and talent cultivation is bearing fruit in ways that fill us all with immense pride,” Shah said.
“Under the exceptional leadership of Rohit Sharma, this team has shown remarkable resolve and resilience, becoming the first team in the history of the ICC T20 World Cup to win the tournament unbeaten. They have faced and silenced their critics with stellar performances time and again. Their journey has been nothing short of inspirational, and today, they join the ranks of the greats, achieving something truly special that brings immense pride and joy to all Indians,” he added.
“It fills me with great pride to speak about such an extraordinary team. However, it is this team that has made us all proud with their dedication, hard work, and unyielding spirit. Led by Rohit Sharma, and ably assisted by Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and others they have fulfilled the dreams and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians,” he further remarked.
Talking about the final, the Men in Blue posted a stiff total of 176/7 in on the board after opting to bat first, courtesy of good knocks from Virat Kohli (76 off 59) and Akshar Patel (47 off 31). Shivam Dube also played a brilliant cameo of 16-ball 27 in the death overs.
In reply, South Africa were cruising when Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 27) was at the crease. After Klaasen’s wicket, however, they lost the plot as the Indian pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah (2-18), Hardik Pandya (3-20) and Arshdeep Singh (2-20) pulled things back in the last five overs to restrict the Proteas to 169/8 in 20 overs.
