Cricket West Indies has confirmed that members of the West Indies squad and coaching staff will return home from India on commercial flights after facing unexpected delays following their exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The team had been stranded in Kolkata since March 1, when they were eliminated from the tournament and their travel plans were disrupted due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
The board announced that several members of the squad had already secured commercial flights to return home. For the remaining players and staff, travel arrangements have been made for departures on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"After completing play, the West Indies squad remained in India for nine (9) days awaiting travel. However, ongoing uncertainty surrounding the ICC-organized charter, as a result of global tensions and aviation regulations, made the situation increasingly distressing,” said CWI in a statement.
"In the interest of the well-being and safety of its players and support staff, Cricket West Indies advised the ICC that it was no longer prudent to continue waiting on the charter arrangements, which remain uncertain. Multiple approaches have since been made through CWI, players, and other partners, in coordination with the ICC, to secure commercial travel to facilitate the squad's safe return," it added.
The crisis in West Asia has disrupted flight routes and charter operations, forcing cricket authorities to make alternative arrangements for team travel. Recently, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy had also issued a plea regarding the departure of players.