A policeman lathi-charging cricket fans gathered at Benz Circle in Vijayawada to celebrate India’s victory in ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: G.N. RAO
A celebratory frenzy erupted on streets in major cities such as Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada and other places across the State after Team India won the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday (March 9) night.
In Vijayawada, police lathi-charged cricket fans and youth gathered at Benz Circle to celebrate the victory, leading to a few youth reportedly sustaining injuries. Commissioner of Police S.V. Rajashekar Babu said the police was dispersing the mobs to clear traffic at Benz Circle.
Around 10.30 p.m in the city, youth organised bike rallies by carrying the Tricolour and photographs of Indian cricketers on M.G. Road, and when cricket fans from Labbipet, N.T.R. Circle, Patamata, Veterinary Hospital and other areas rushed towards Benz Circle, it lead to a traffic jam.
Police personnel tried to clear the traffic congestion in Benz Circle area, but in vain. The police personnel then resorted to lathi-charge. The police caned cricket fans after they raised slogans hailing India team captain Rohit Sharma and other players.
In Vizag
The people of Visakhapatnam celebrated the victory of Team India by bursting crackers and organising bike rallies.
A large number of youth hit the streets on motorcycles at various areas, including the Beach Road stretch on Sunday night. They waved the national flag and held aloft posters of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma; shouts of “India, India” reverberated through the air. People danced in euphoria and showered praises on the team on RK Beach.
Several cricket lovers burst firecrackers at their houses and on their terraces to celebrate the moment. Restaurants, hotels and groups of people had organised screenings of the match in their localities.
Earlier in the morning, a few cricket fans had organised special prayers in several temples for India’s win.
Social media platforms were flooded with wishes for the men-in-blue, who won their third ICC Champions Trophy. This is the second consecutive year that Team India has won an ICC trophy, as India had won the T20 World Cup last year.
Anticipating the celebrations, the city police patrol vehicles had been deployed at many junctions to ensure there is no untoward incident.
Published – March 10, 2025 01:05 am IST
