Big relief! Charter flight arranged for stranded West Indies team after airspace disruption

NEW DELHI: A charter flight has been arranged for the West Indies cricket team to return home after the Caribbean side remained stranded in the city for more than four days due to international airspace restrictions triggered by the United States and Israel strikes on Iran.

“A charter has been arranged for the West Indies to fly home,” a source told PTI on Thursday.

“Got an update. That’s all WI wanted,” West Indies coach Daren Sammy tweeted.

“I just wanna go home”: Daren Sammy vents frustration as West Indies stranded amid Middle East tensions

Sammy had voiced frustration earlier

The development came a few hours after Sammy expressed his frustration on social media.

The West Indies, who were knocked out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after losing to India national cricket team in the Super Eight match on Sunday at Eden Gardens, were unable to fly back home as flight operations through parts of the Gulf region were disrupted.

Expressing his frustration, Sammy had earlier posted on X: “I just wanna go home.”

Four hours later, the former West Indies captain followed it up with another post seeking clarity on their travel plans.

“At least an update, tell us something. Today, tmw, next week. It’s been 5 days,” Sammy wrote.

Some players likely to stay back for IPL camps

Considering the situation in the Gulf region, several West Indies players are expected to remain in India as their respective Indian Premier League franchises are set to begin preparatory camps in the coming weeks.

Rovman Powell is part of Kolkata Knight Riders, whose camp begins on March 18, while Sherfane Rutherford represents Mumbai Indians. Shimron Hetmyer plays for Rajasthan Royals and Romario Shepherd is with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are expected to begin training from March 15.

An official of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) said the matter was being handled by the International Cricket Council.

“It is completely handled by ICC. We have no update on the West Indies team’s movement but as per the latest update they are still here and looking for a chartered flight,” the official had told PTI earlier in the day.

Cricket West Indies had said it was working with the ICC and relevant authorities to ensure the safe return of the players.

“Cricket West Indies (CWI) wishes to advise that the departure of the West Indies senior men’s team from India, following their exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, has been delayed due to international airspace restrictions,” the board had said in a statement.

“These restrictions are a direct result of the security threats posed by military action in the Gulf Region, which has impacted several international flight routes and required airlines to adjust scheduled services for safety reasons.”

“CWI appreciates the understanding and concern of our fans, families and stakeholders during this time.”

Zimbabwe national cricket team players, who were also stranded in India due to the same reason, have begun returning home in batches after the ICC arranged alternative travel routes via Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.

(With PTI Inputs)