T20 World Cup: West Indies Team Finally Set to Depart Home on Chartered Flight
Synopsis
After being stranded for over four days in Kolkata following their exit from the T20 World Cup, the West Indies cricket team is finally set to fly home on a chartered flight, ensuring their safety amid ongoing airspace restrictions in the Middle East.
Key Takeaways
Chartered flight arranged for West Indies team after delays.
Stranded in Kolkata for over four days due to airspace restrictions.
Team led by Shai Hope now set to return home.
CWI prioritizes players' safety in travel arrangements.
Other teams, including Zimbabwe, also affected by similar travel issues.
New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) A special charter flight has been organized to bring the West Indies cricket team back to their home country after the players and their support staff experienced a delay of over four days in Kolkata following their exit from the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
The West Indies' departure from Kolkata was postponed after their defeat to India by five wickets during their final Super Eights match, due to airspace restrictions in the Middle East that arose from military actions involving the USA and Israel against Iran.
This situation compelled the team, led by Shai Hope, to stay at their hotel in Kolkata until alternative travel options could be arranged. “The West Indies team has secured a chartered flight. Everything is now in order for them,” an ICC official informed IANS on Thursday.
This was corroborated by head coach Daren Sammy, who tweeted, “Got an update. That's all WI wanted,” expressing his previous frustration regarding the uncertainty surrounding their return travel plans.
Earlier, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced on Monday that the team’s departure from India had been delayed due to international airspace restrictions in the Gulf region. “These restrictions stem from the security threats posed by military operations in the Gulf Region, which have affected several international flight routes, necessitating airlines to modify their scheduled services for safety reasons,” stated CWI.
“CWI is collaborating closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC), relevant governmental bodies, and airline partners to arrange the earliest possible safe travel for the squad and support staff. The safety and well-being of our players, coaches, and officials are of utmost importance to us.
“The team is currently safe and well-accommodated in India. We are continuously monitoring the situation and will provide updates as travel arrangements are finalized,” CWI mentioned at the time.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe cricket team, which also faced delays in New Delhi for the same reasons, has begun returning home in groups as the ICC arranged alternative flights for them to Harare via Addis Ababa.
South Africa is also awaiting its travel arrangements back home after their semi-final loss to New Zealand by nine wickets in Kolkata. Should England exit the competition after losing their second semi-final to India in Mumbai, they will also need to arrange their return travel.
Point of View
Especially under geopolitical tensions. The safety of athletes and support staff remains paramount, and the prompt action by the ICC and CWI in securing a chartered flight reflects a commitment to their well-being and timely return home.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the West Indies team delayed in Kolkata?
The West Indies team faced delays due to airspace restrictions in the Middle East resulting from military actions involving the USA and Israel against Iran.
When is the West Indies team scheduled to return home?
The West Indies team is set to depart on a chartered flight, with arrangements finalized after a delay of over four days.
What is the role of Cricket West Indies in this situation?
Cricket West Indies is working closely with the ICC and airline partners to ensure safe travel arrangements for the team and support staff.
What other teams faced similar delays?
Zimbabwe's cricket team also experienced delays and has started returning home in batches after the ICC arranged alternative travel for them.
What are the implications of the airspace restrictions?
The airspace restrictions have impacted several international flight routes, forcing teams like the West Indies and Zimbabwe to find alternative travel arrangements for safety.
