T20 World Cup 2026: Cricket West Indies, frustrated by delayed ICC action, has arranged commercial flights for West Indies players stuck in India after the recently concluded event. According to the official press release, the board was frustrated by charter flight delays and decided to book flights for the players themselves.
In their third statement on this issue, CWI revealed the team stayed in India for nine days after their campaign ended. Players waited for the ICC to arrange a charter flight, but the charter for both West Indies and South African players was continually delayed.
CWI stated that the ICC is responsible for travel and accommodation for all teams in the men's and women's ICC World Cups. However, with no clarity on charters due to global tensions, the board decided it had to intervene and take alternative steps for its team.
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“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,” a statement released by the board said.
CWI revealed that many efforts were made by the boards, players, and other partners, along with ICC, to ensure the players' safe return home.
Some players and staff have left India. The remaining members are supposed to fly out on Tuesday, March 10, and Wednesday, March 11.
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The board also thanked fans and stakeholders for being patient during this time. It expressed gratitude for their support as they worked to resolve the travel issue.
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Many West Indian and South African players were stranded in India due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The ICC assured them of a private charter, but the flight from Kolkata was cancelled because clearance for the airspace could not be obtained.
The two teams were to leave India by charter for Johannesburg. West Indies players then would fly on to Antigua. The flight was arranged after the teams were stranded following the T20 World Cup. However, airspace closures from tensions in West Asia made a direct route home impossible.
Owing to these delays, the West Indies cricket board had to intervene.