Lasith Malinga emerged from the SriLankan airline flight grasping the ICC World Twenty20 champions trophy to the loud cheering of a crowd of one thousand or so. One singular thought resonated all around – we are the world champions.
The flight touched down at the Bandaranaike International Airport at 3:20p.m yesterday after a journey of close to three hours from Dhaka and when it was slowly moving along the runaway two giant vehicles splashed water towards it from either side, reminding the onlookers that they were ‘the showers of blessings’ on a special aircraft carrying a set of special individuals.
Malinga, the new captain of the national cricket team that created history after winning an ICC trophy following 18 years of trying and missing, was followed by Dinesh Chandimal, the ‘non-playing captain’. Afterwards, Kumar Sangakkara still beaming after his man of the math performance in the final against India, followed by Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mahela Jayawardena. Nuwan Kulasekara flashed thumbs up. He was followed by Rangana Herath, Angelo Mathews, Sachithra Senanayake, Thisara Perera, Kusal Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Ajantha Mendis, Seekkuge Prasanna and Suranga Lakmal. Sangakkara had his wife Yehali for company. But at times he looked busy with his cellular phone tweeting every bit of warmth and love that was unfolding before his eyes.
The crowd – close to 500 media personnel, some dignitaries including the Sports Minister and cricket officials, and a good number of airport staff, ranging from flight engineers to janitors, shouted and clapped in unison as the cricketers descended the steps to a red carpet welcome.
There was no beef about the hot sun or scorching heat on the day. The only complain came from the media men – photographers who had climbed two open vehicles to get closer to the plane – when their view was obstructed by the rushing crowd.
The cricketers very well knew that they were seeing a small portion of the multitude that was awaiting them outside the airport and all the way to Colombo along the Negombo-Colombo road.
The tired looking players entered the arrival lounge, knowing that some of them will have to attend a brief press conference, before hitting the road for a journey of less than 30 kilometers that would take them hours, as there would be hundreds of fans at every junction who would want to greet them, thank them and share in their moment of glory. This was not a day to take the Katunayake-Colombo expressway.
A visit to the President’s house was on schedule. His Excellency had not attended the final, may be heeding a public demand that he should not do so for the fear that his presence would bring misfortune to the Lankans. Colombo’s cricket lovers were awaiting another gala reception and a musical show at the Galle Face.
Another long night awaited the World Champion cricketers.
