A charter flight is being organised to take the West Indies squad back to the Caribbean from Kolkata, where they have remained since their elimination from the T20 World Cup on March 1. According to a statement issued by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Thursday night India time, the expected departure of the flight could take place “within the next 24 hours,” although it still depends on final air traffic approvals.
CWI confirmed that progress was made after “a high-level call” held on Thursday involving officials from CWI, representatives from the International Cricket Council (ICC), as well as members from the team management and the players’ group.
“CWI has remained in constant dialogue with the players, team management, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) since their last match against India,” the statement said. “While the situation remains complex and fluid due to international airspace restrictions arising from security concerns in the Gulf region, CWI assures the public that every precaution is being taken to ensure the safe return of the team to the Caribbean.”
The West Indies squad has stayed in Kolkata since their Super Eight defeat to India. Earlier on Thursday, head coach Daren Sammy expressed his frustration on X with a post saying, “I just wanna go home”.
He later followed it with another message: “At least an update, tell us something. Today, tmw, next week. It’s been five days.”
More Read
Travel Disruptions Affect Multiple Teams
West Indies are among several teams currently stranded in India due to the ongoing military conflict in West Asia, which has also resulted in cancellations of other matches.
With traditional airspace corridors unavailable because of the situation, the ICC has faced major logistical difficulties in arranging return travel for participating teams.
However, there was some positive movement for Zimbabwe on Wednesday, when the first group of their players departed from Delhi after the ICC revised their travel plans.
Zimbabwe had also played their final match of the tournament on March 1, losing to South Africa in Delhi. Their original departure date had been scheduled for March 2, but those arrangements were later cancelled.
There is still no official confirmation regarding the travel schedule for the remaining members of Zimbabwe’s squad.
“Zimbabwe Cricket confirms that the Zimbabwe senior men’s team participating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 are on their way home from India after the International Cricket Council secured alternative travel arrangements following recent transit disruptions,” Zimbabwe Cricket said in a statement on Wednesday. “Due to flight availability and revised routing, the squad will return to Harare in batches.
“Zimbabwe’s original travel route was via Dubai on an Emirates flight but it had to be altered. It has been learnt that Zimbabwe are now travelling to Harare via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.”
South Africa, who were knocked out by New Zealand in the semi-final on Wednesday night, are now waiting for confirmation of their own travel arrangements. England could also face similar logistical planning if they lose to India in the second semi-final scheduled for Thursday.
