Kolkata, India – The West Indies national cricket team remains stranded in Kolkata, India, for a fifth day following their elimination from the T20 World Cup 2026. Head coach Daren Sammy has issued an emotional plea for updates, as international airspace restrictions across West Asia continue to disrupt their travel plans home. The team has been unable to depart since their final Super 8 match on March 1.
Sammy's Frustration Grows
Daren Sammy, the West Indies head coach, took to social media platform X on Wednesday to express the team’s mounting frustration. "I just wanna go home," Sammy posted, highlighting the growing anxiety among the cricketers and support staff. Hours later, he followed up with another post, stating, "At least an update, tell us something. Today, tomorrow, next week. It's been 5 days," emphasizing a perceived lack of communication from tournament officials. Sammy later updated his followers, saying, "Got an update. That's all WI wanted," indicating some progress in communication.[indiatoday+13]
The unexpected delay stems from escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by retaliation from Tehran, have forced the closure of key air corridors across West Asia. This crisis has severely disrupted international flight schedules, leading to thousands of cancellations, particularly affecting major transit hubs like Dubai Airport. These closures have made it impossible for the West Indies squad to secure a safe and viable route back to the Caribbean.[indiatoday+10]
ICC Works on Solutions
Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed on Monday that the team's departure has been delayed due to these international airspace restrictions. CWIstated that the safety and well-being of their players, coaches, and officials remain their highest priority. TheInternational Cricket Council (ICC) is actively coordinating with airlines and relevant authorities to arrange alternative travel plans for the affected teams.[telegraphindia+4]
Initial efforts by the ICC included trying to organize a special charter flight for the West Indies squad. This flight was intended to take them to London before they could continue their journey to the Caribbean islands. However, this plan has not yet materialized, and no confirmed departure date has been given. Officials remain hopeful that temporary arrangements can be made once airlines stabilize schedules and identify safe transit pathways.[indiatoday+12]
The West Indies are not the only team facing these travel challenges. The Zimbabwe cricket team was also stranded in India following their T20 World Cup exit. Fortunately, the ICC successfully secured alternative travel arrangements for Zimbabwe. A group of their players departed India from Delhi, traveling via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to bypass the restricted West Asian corridor. Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed that their squad would return home in small groups due to limited flight availability. TheSouth African team, eliminated after their semi-final loss, is also awaiting details on their return flights.[indiatoday+21]
Impact and Next Steps
The West Indies team continues to wait in Kolkata, caught in a rapidly evolving geopolitical situation that has directly impacted global aviation and international sport. They lost their final Super 8 match to India at Eden Gardens on March 1st, marking their elimination from the tournament. What should have been a straightforward journey home has turned into an anxious waiting game with no clear end in sight.[island+3]
Some West Indies players may have additional reasons to remain in India. Rovman Powell, for example, is part of the Kolkata Knight Riders, whose Indian Premier League (IPL) pre-season camps are scheduled to begin around March 18. Other players, including Sherfane Rutherford (Mumbai Indians), Shimron Hetmyer (Rajasthan Royals), and Romario Shepherd (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), are also involved in the IPL. This means some individuals may have logistical complexities beyond the team's immediate return.[indiatoday+2]
A Cricket Association of Bengal official stated that the matter is entirely being handled by the ICC, with no local updates on the West Indies team's movement. Fornow, the West Indies squad remains in Kolkata, hoping for a swift and safe resolution to their unprecedented travel dilemma. The ongoing efforts by the ICC and CWI aim to secure a pathway home for the team, navigating the complex and volatile international airspace.[telegraphindia]
