National Cricket Team receives warm welcome upon return

Maldives National Cricket Team has received a warm welcome upon their return home.

The national cricket team returned after competing in the T20 Quadrangular Cricket Tournament held in Bhutan.

The tournament was held to mark the opening of Bhutan's first cricket stadium.

Alongside Maldives, three other countries competed including Bhutan, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Maldives secured a place in the final of the tournament.

This is the first time in 14 years that the Maldives has reached the final of a cricket tournament.

Maldives secured a spot in the final by defeating the host country Bhutan in the semi-final.

Maldives was set to play against Thailand in the final.

However, the final match between the Maldives and Thailand was disrupted due to adverse weather.

With this, according to the tournament rules, it was decided to award the championship to Thailand, which was ranked first in the league round.

Thailand had won all their matches in the league round.

The National Cricket Team was welcomed at Velana International Airport (VIA) by the Commissioner of Sports, Mohamed Tholal.

Further, other senior officials from the Ministry of Sports and Fitness also participated in the ceremony.

Maldives had previously played in the final of the ACC Trophy Challenge tournament held in Thailand in 2010.

Maldives competed against Saudi Arabia to win the finals of the tournament.

This marks the first time since then, that Maldives has had the opportunity to reach the final of a cricket tournament.