ICC Champions Trophy Winners Given Heroes' Welcome In Pakistan

Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy-winning players were given a heroes’ welcome as they landed in the country on Tuesday ( June 20). The cricket-obsessed fans of Pakistan had gathered at airports in Karachi and Lahore early morning, eagerly awaiting the return of the players.

Pakistan had entered the tournament as its lowest-ranked team and their chances of advancing to the next stage was looking absolutely bleak after they were galloped by 124 runs by arch-rivals India in their opening game. However, the Men in Green turned their campaign around remarkably well and defeated South Africa and Sri Lanka to make it to the semifinal. In the semifinal, they thrashed hosts and pre-tournament favourites England by 8 wickets to storm into their maiden Champions Trophy final. Their magnificent journey in the Champions Trophy ended on the best-possible note as they thrashed India by 180 runs to lay their hands on the coveted trophy for the first time.

The win was a much-needed boost for the Pakistani fans who have not since top international teams in their country due to security reasons since the 2009 terrorist attacks on Sri Lankan team. Barring Zimbabwe, which visited Pakistan for a short limited-overs series in 2015, no country has visited Pakistan since 2009, forcing Pakistan to adopt UAE as their home

The win was historic and Pakistani fans made sure to make the occasion memorable by giving the Champions Trophy winners a rousing welcome. In fact, armed guards were required to make a path through the throngs as a swarm of fans had gathered at the Karachi International Airport to welcome the champions.

People of all age groups packed the airport as captain Sarfraz Ahmed held up the trophy amid loud cheers and chants of “Long live Sarfraz!”.

The supporters had also packed the street outside Sarfraz’s Karachi residence and the skipper, who led Pakistan to their first ICC global title since the 1992 World Cup, did not disappoint, appearing on his balcony with the trophy.

Player of the tournament Hasan Ali along with Faheem Ashraf, Babar Azam, and Ahmed Shehzad were presented with bouquets by Punjab provincial ministers.

Pakistan #CT17 heroes given rousing welcome at Lahore Airport #AikJeetAur ??? pic.twitter.com/c5GfGvyTCd

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 19, 2017

memorable day of lifee!! Thankyou @SarfarazA_54 for this unreal moment!??❤️ pic.twitter.com/N6k7W43lh5

— Abdur Rahman (@imabdur25) June 20, 2017

“I hope this win will boost Pakistan cricket and hopefully all the (major) playing nations will come to Pakistan,” said Sarfraz.