West Indies to Return Home via Commercial Flights Following T20 World Cup Exit
The West Indies cricket team will return home on commercial flights from India after experiencing a "distressing" delay following their elimination from the men's T20 World Cup.
Since their exit from the tournament on 1 March, the West Indies squad has been stranded in Kolkata due to travel disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) had initially planned to organize a charter flight for both the West Indies and South African teams. However, Cricket West Indies (CWI) reported that this arrangement had been "repeatedly delayed."
"Ongoing uncertainty surrounding the ICC-organised charter, as a result of global tensions and aviation regulations, made the situation increasingly distressing," stated the CWI.
"In the interest of the wellbeing 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."
Some members of the West Indies team and staff have already departed India, with the remainder scheduled to leave on Tuesday and Wednesday.
has reached out to Cricket South Africa to clarify their travel plans amid the ongoing situation.
The ICC has faced criticism from players representing both West Indies and South Africa for not adequately resolving the travel issues.
Meanwhile, England, who were defeated in the semi-final on Thursday, managed to fly home on Saturday. This has led to accusations of bias against the ICC, which the global cricket governing body has "categorically" denied.
