A homecoming for champions

There were incredible scenes as a cavalcade of at least 300 motorbikes showed up to the home of cricket in Mirpur yesterday afternoon with a brass band, preparing to head towards the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to receive the 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup champions.

Around 3:00pm in the afternoon, a convoy from the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium including Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan and board directors went to the airport to receive the heroes, who were scheduled to land at 4:55pm.

Meanwhile in Mirpur, a huge crowd had gathered in anticipation of welcoming the team, creating a festive atmosphere around the locality.

After Akbar Ali and Co. landed in the country and completed their formalities at the airport, they headed towards Mirpur aboard the team bus which was emblazoned with one word: 'champions'.

As the team bus was pulling up to the stadium, the crowd that had been awaiting the newest superstars of the country went wild and began chanting 'Bangladesh', which was an incredible sight to witness.

The cricketers were undoubtedly tired after the long journey from South Africa, but the excitement in the eyes of every single team member showed that fatigue had long been overshadowed by celebration, and they enjoyed every moment of their reception.

Upon reaching the home of cricket, the players and team staff were shown to the meeting room for an almost hour-long meeting. By the time they were done, the VIP Grand Stand had been filled to the brim by enthusiastic supporters who eagerly awaited a glimpse of the young Tigers.

The floodlights were on, the gates were open and the scenes were chaotic. People pushed each other into the stadium and although there were concerns over security, there was no stopping any fervent fan from getting in yesterday.

Suddenly, huge cheers broke out around the ground as the young cricketers finally walked out. Hands were stretched out from the stands towards the golden boys and after a few moments acknowledging the crowd, they walked over the red carpet towards the stage, where they cut cakes with the board president before fireworks further lit up the evening.

The cricketers' parents were also present at the festivities, including captain Akbar Ali's father. However, he was yet to have a proper conversation with Akbar, who had to rush to the press room to interact with the swarm of media that awaited his reaction.

The press conference was jam-packed and it was perhaps then that Akbar, looking around anxiously with his tired eyes, realised they had done something really big.

Akbar was asked for a reaction to what he had witnessed on the team's homecoming and the journey from the from the airport to the stadium and the mature, soft-spoken teen said: "We knew something was going to happen but what we received today was unbelievable and totally unexpected."

Things were at stark contrast with how they were when the young Tigers had departed for the World Cup and when questioned about if his life had changed dramatically, Akbar's reply was calm.

"Not really. Yes, there is a different feeling because it's a huge achievement and the response we are getting from the fans is different. Let's see how it goes tomorrow."

Overall, after the red carpet had been rolled back up and the fireworks dissipated into the night, the teenagers could certainly say they received a hero's welcome. And why not? They are the new Under-19 world champions after all!