The West Indies cricket squad has abandoned hopes of an ICC-organized charter flight and will return home via commercial airlines following their elimination from the men’s T20 World Cup in India. The team has endured what Cricket West Indies (CWI) described as a “distressing” situation, stranded in Kolkata since their tournament exit on March 1st due to travel disruptions stemming from Middle East conflicts.
According to CWI officials, the International Cricket Council’s repeatedly delayed charter arrangements—initially planned to transport both West Indies and South Africa teams—created “ongoing uncertainty” that became increasingly concerning. The governing body ultimately determined that continuing to wait for the uncertain charter was no longer prudent given the wellbeing and safety considerations for players and support staff.
“Multiple approaches have been made through CWI, players, and other partners, in coordination with the ICC, to secure commercial travel to facilitate the squad’s safe return,” stated the cricket board. The ICC acknowledged the unforeseen travel disruptions in a Wednesday statement, confirming they were “managing all additional logistics, including accommodation” for affected teams.
The global cricket governing body reported that nine members of the West Indies contingent had already departed, with the remaining 16 players and staff booked on flights within the next 12 hours. Meanwhile, four South African players and five family members had boarded flights home, with the remaining 29 members of their contingent scheduled to depart within 24 hours.
The ICC has faced criticism from both West Indies and South African players for their perceived failure to adequately resolve the travel complications. These accusations intensified when England’s team—despite losing their semi-final on Thursday—managed to fly home on Saturday, prompting allegations of preferential treatment that the ICC has “categorically” denied.