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Journalism of Courage
Fans gathered in large numbers to have a glimpse of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup trophy on Tuesday as it was displayed in Pune city and taken out in a massive procession organised by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA).
The trophy parade, led by NCP MLA and MCA president Rohit Pawar, was flagged off from JW Marriott on SB Road, passed through Symbiosis College, BMCC College and Fergusson College before ending at the Agricultural College Ground. Cricket lovers were provided an opportunity to take a selfie with the World Cup trophy.
The rally also witnessed the presence of Indian player Kedar Jadhav along with former India captain Chandu Borde and India’s former woman cricketer Kalpana Tapikar. The spirited crowd erupted in cheers for the trophy, chanting slogans like ‘Jeetega Bhai Jeetega, India Jeetega,’ ‘Vande Mataram,’ and ‘Ganpati Bappa Moraya’. The traditional Dhol-Tasha bands provided a warm welcome to the open-top bus bearing the World Cup trophy.
At the press conference preceding the rally, Rohit Pawar emphasised the historical significance of the moment. He said that both the MCA and the people of Pune were privileged as the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) and International Cricket Council (ICC) had granted Pune the opportunity to host the rally and display the trophy to all the fans. “The trophy belongs to the public and the public should have the chance to see it up close and even take photographs with it. With this opportunity, MCA became the first association to have received this honour,” Pawar said.
The World Cup trophy is currently on a tour of the country and is in Pune for a day. “We might have to wait another 25 to 30 years for the next chance, so let’s relish this moment,” he said.
Kalpana Tapikar who is also the member of the apex council, told The Indian Express , “I am very proud that we got five matches to host, I expect the same opportunity during the Women’s World Cup. Since this a historical moment, I am planning to complete the rally.”
The MCA president extended his gratitude to the fans for their huge turnout and the support they had shown.
The inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup match is set to be played on October 5 in Ahmedabad.
