KOLKATA, India — After nine anxious days stranded overseas, the West Indies cricket contingent has begun its journey home, not aboard the long-awaited charter flight arranged by the sport’s global governing body, but on commercial flights secured by its own administrators.
Cricket West Indies confirmed on Tuesday that it had abandoned plans to wait for an International Cricket Council-coordinated charter flight, opting instead to arrange alternative travel for players and staff who had remained in India following their tournament commitments.
The decision brought an end to a protracted and increasingly uncomfortable travel limbo for the Caribbean side.
Charter plan unravels
The charter flight had originally been organized by the ICC to transport both the West Indies and South Africa national cricket team squads home after participating in ICC events in India.
However, the plan became mired in repeated delays linked to global geopolitical tensions and evolving aviation regulations, leaving players and support staff waiting far longer than anticipated.
CWI said the continued uncertainty ultimately forced its hand.
“The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the ICC-organised charter made the situation increasingly distressing,” the governing body said in a statement.
Patience wears thin
Under normal tournament arrangements, logistics such as travel and accommodation fall under the ICC’s responsibility, a point CWI highlighted in its explanation of the situation.
“As is customary for both men’s and women’s ICC World Cups, all travel and accommodation arrangements for participating teams are coordinated and managed by the ICC,” the statement noted.
But with nine days having passed since the West Indies squad completed its competitive duties in India, the prolonged wait became untenable.
“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.”
Commercial routes finally open
Once the decision was made, efforts accelerated to move the squad out of India.
Working alongside the ICC, players, and other partners, CWI sought available commercial routes to facilitate the team’s return to the Caribbean and other destinations.
Some members of the touring party had already begun departing by Tuesday, while the remaining contingent was scheduled to leave India over the following two days.
Relief after a difficult stretch
The nine-day delay had sparked concern among supporters and stakeholders across the Caribbean cricket community.
CWI acknowledged that concern in its statement, expressing appreciation for the patience and support shown during the unexpected ordeal.
With the final travel arrangements now in place, the governing body said the priority remains ensuring the safe and timely return of every member of the West Indies delegation.
