Stranded West Indies players finally leave India on commercial flights

West Indies players (Photo Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

The West Indies contingent, which had been stranded in India for several days following the conclusion of their T20 World Cup campaign, will finally return home on commercial flights. Cricket West Indies confirmed in a statement that some players and staff had already departed, while the rest were scheduled to leave on March 10 and 11.

West Indies played their final World Cup match against India on March 1. Since then, they had remained in India because the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region forced several airspaces to close or severely restrict operations. South Africa, after losing their semifinal, have also remained in India, while England managed to return home earlier.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy repeatedly appealed on social media for updates regarding their return plans. Players such as Akeal Hosein and Shimron Hetmyer also expressed their frustration over the delay. On February 28, the International Cricket Council issued a statement saying it had activated contingency plans to support stakeholder safety and well-being in response to the conflict.

“The safety and well-being of every individual connected to our event is the ICC’s highest priority. We have already mobilised our travel, logistics and security teams, and are working around the clock to ensure that all stakeholders can return home safely, with minimal disruption…,” the ICC said in a statement as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that the charter flight intended to carry players from both West Indies and South Africa was repeatedly delayed, after which arrangements were made for them to return home on commercial flights.

“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.

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