Pakistan's Sarfraz Ahmed gestures to cricket fans as he celebrates winning the ICC Champions Trophy upon his arrival at his house in Karachi, Pakistan June 20, 2017. REUTERS Photo
Men, women and children packed Karachi airport as Sarfraz returned from England, where Pakistan thrashed arch-rivals India to be crowned surprise winners.
Sarfraz held up the trophy to loud cheers and chants of “Long live Sarfraz!” as a police band played patriotic songs nearby.
“(We won) thanks to Allah and the prayers of the whole nation,” Sarfraz said in brief comments as he jostled his way through the crowd of well-wishers.
Pakistan’s victory by 180 runs on Sunday has sparked widespread celebrations in the country, where cricket is the number one sport.
The win has been long overdue boost after several years of poor results, particularly in the limited-overs formats.
Sarfraz was showered with bouquets and given a traditional skull cap and an ‘ajrak’ shawl, which is usually presented as a mark of honour.