West Indies players have started leaving India on commercial flights after facing travel disruptions following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Caribbean team had been stranded in Kolkata for the last 8 days after their exit from the tournament due to complications in international flight operations.

Travel disruption after World Cup exit

West Indies were eliminated from the tournament during the Super Eight stage on March 1. Soon after, the team was scheduled to leave India, but travel plans were disrupted due to airspace restrictions in parts of West Asia. The situation forced several airlines to cancel or reroute flights passing through the Gulf region, one of the most important transit hubs for international travel. After that, Darren Sammy and other West Indies players raised their voices against the ICC.

Also Read । ICC CWC League 2 matches in Nepal postponed amid escalating West Asia conflict

The International Cricket Council (ICC) had initially arranged a charter flight to transport both West Indies and South Africa from Kolkata to Johannesburg. From there, the West Indies players were expected to take connecting flights to their respective destinations in the Caribbean.

However, the charter flight plan had to be cancelled due to operational issues caused by the restricted airspace, leaving players and support staff waiting in India for further arrangements.

Players depart on commercial flights

With the charter option no longer viable, alternative travel arrangements were made. West Indies players and staff have now begun departing India in batches on commercial flights organised with the assistance of the ICC and Cricket West Indies.

The delay had created frustration among members of the squad, with head coach Daren Sammy earlier expressing concerns over the uncertainty surrounding the team’s return journey. Some South African players were also affected by the situation, raising questions about post-tournament logistics.

Also Read । Arshdeep Singh fined by ICC for throwing ball at Daryl Mitchell in T20 World Cup final

Despite the unexpected delay, the issue is gradually being resolved as players leave the country in groups. The revised travel plan ensures that the remaining members of the West Indies contingent will soon return home after their World Cup campaign came to an early end.