DELHI, India (CMC):
The West Indies senior men’s team is expected to finally return home by this weekend, after being stranded in India following the end of their campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The regional team was set to depart from India earlier this week, after being eliminated by the home side on Sunday, but was unable to do so because of international airspace restrictions caused by the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, which impacted several flight routes and forced the closure of multiple airports.
However, in an update given by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Thursday, they disclosed that the team was scheduled to leave the subcontinent “within the next 24 hours”.
“CWI has remained in constant dialogue with the players, team management, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) since their last match against India. While the situation remains complex and fluid due to international space restrictions arising from security concerns in the Gulf region, CWI assures the public that every precaution is being taken to ensure the safe return of the team to the Caribbean,” CWI said in the statement.
“During a high-level call earlier today [Thursday] involving CWI, ICC officials, a representative of team management, and a representative of the players, it was confirmed that a charter flight is currently being arranged for the team’s departure from India, with the expected departure scheduled within the next 24 hours. The departure time remains subject to final air traffic approvals.
“The team remains safe and well as arrangements continue to be finalised. CWI reiterates that the safe return of our players and staff remains our highest priority,” the statement further added.
