CWI confirms safe return of West Indies team after flight delays

All members of the West Indies men's cricket team have safely returned home following travel disruption due to the Middle East war after the ICC T20 World Cup, Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed.

The board issued an official statement on Sunday, announcing that players and members of the team management unit had completed their journeys after days of uncertainty caused by repeated charter flight cancellations.

“Cricket West Indies wishes to advise that, as of Saturday, all players and members of the team management unit who were part of the West Indies men’s squad at the ICC T20 World Cup in India have returned home safely,” the statement said.

The squad’s return had been delayed after chartered flights organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) were repeatedly cancelled.

With the situation dragging on, CWI moved swiftly to secure commercial flights for the stranded players and staff earlier this week.

The final group of cricketers and support personnel completed their journeys over the past several days, bringing an end to an exhausting wait.

“Commercial travel was successfully secured for members of the squad earlier this week, and the final group of players and support staff have now safely arrived at their respective destinations,” CWI added.

According to the board, the West Indies squad had remained in India for nine days after completing their World Cup fixtures, awaiting confirmation of travel arrangements.

The uncertainty surrounding the ICC-organised charter flights, partly linked to global tensions and aviation regulations, created growing concern within the camp.

The charter flight had been scheduled to transport both the West Indies and the South Africa, but delays repeatedly disrupted the travel plans.

CWI acknowledged the stress the situation placed on players and staff while they remained stranded abroad.

Despite the logistical hurdles, the board expressed gratitude to the ICC, regional cricket boards and other stakeholders who helped facilitate the team’s safe return.