NEW DELHI, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Sunday a monetary award of 1.25 billion Indian Rupees (about 15 million U.S. dollars) for the country's cricket team for winning the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's T20 World Cup.
The World Cup tournament, organized by the ICC, was co-hosted by the U.S. and the West Indies.
A total of 20 teams participated in the tournament, including India, Pakistan, the U.S., Ireland, Canada, England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, Oman, West Indies, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, and Nepal.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced the award.
Team India won the T20 on Friday night in Barbados, defeating South Africa by 7 runs. This was the second time, after a gap of 17 years, that India won the World Cup in the shortest format of international cricket.
Cricket is the most popular sport in India. Following India's victory, celebrations erupted across the country on Friday night, with revelers taking to the streets, dancing, and distributing sweets. ■
