Fans thronged Dubai International Airport to catch a glimpse of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya as Team India arrived for the ICC Champions Trophy. With their first match against Bangladesh on February 20, excitement is building in Dubai.
February 16, 2025: Team India’s Arrival in Dubai Triggers Massive Frenzy Among Fans Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Dubai International Airport witnessed an unexpected frenzy on February 15, as Team India landed for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The usually calm business class arrivals lounge turned into a buzzing hub of excitement, with hundreds of fans gathering to catch a glimpse of their cricketing heroes, including Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and captain Rohit Sharma.
Also Read: 5 Most Iconic Moments From Past ICC Champions Trophy Editions
Airport Security on High Alert as Team India Arrives
Security officials had to step up crowd control measures, using luggage trolleys as barricades to manage the growing crowd. The moment the team led by head coach Gautam Gambhir emerged, loud cheers erupted. Every player, from Shreyas Iyer to Hardik Pandya, acknowledged the fans before boarding the team bus.
Despite most players taking their seats quickly, Rohit Sharma’s delayed exit intensified the excitement, with fans eagerly waiting. The Indian skipper walked briskly to the team bus, issuing some instructions to security before departure. Meanwhile, KL Rahul took a separate car to the team hotel, arriving about 20 minutes later than the rest of the squad.
India Prepares for Their Opener Against Bangladesh on February 20
With India’s first match scheduled against Bangladesh in Dubai, the local Bangladeshi community is buzzing with excitement. Many believe their team has a better chance against an Indian side missing Jasprit Bumrah.
“Bumrah is the dangerman, and he’s not here. Our pacers are good, and Dubai conditions suit them. It won’t be easy for India,” said a local cab driver.
Meanwhile, Pakistan, the defending champions, will kick off the tournament against New Zealand in Karachi. India, on the other hand, will play all their matches in Dubai under the ICC’s hybrid format.
Team India’s Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
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Team India, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Dubai, Bangladesh vs India, Cricket Fever, Gautam Gambhir, Indian Cricket Team, Cricket Fans, Cricket Buzz, Cricket News