The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paid a glorious tribute to Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, just minutes after he returned home from captivity in Pakistan on Friday.
The BCCI put out a picture of the Indian Team's jersey bearing IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's name and number 1 on it as a tribute after Abhinandan's return to India.
Pakistani officials handed over Varthaman to Indian officials, including from the IAF, at the Attari-Wagah Border late Friday.
"#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan You rule the skies and you rule our hearts. Your courage and dignity will inspire generations to come #TeamIndia," BCCI wrote in its twitter handle along with the picture.
"Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan! The nation is proud of your exemplary courage. Our armed forces are an inspiration for 130 crore Indians. Vande Mataram!," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
Many top former and current cricketers, also took to twitter to welcome Varthaman.