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West Indies Cricket Team Finally Departs India After Nine-Day Flight Delay

The West Indies national cricket team has finally secured commercial travel to depart India after a nine-day wait caused by airspace closures stemming from the Israel-Iran conflict. Cricket West Indies decided to abandon uncertain ICC charter arrangements to ensure the safety and well-being of its squad. The Zimbabwe team also faced similar travel disruptions, having to return home in batches via alternative routes like Addis Ababa. Both teams were stranded following the conclusion of their T20 World Cup campaigns in early March.

Key Points: West Indies Team Leaves India After 9-Day Stranding

  • Team stranded by Israel-Iran conflict
  • Commercial travel secured after charter delays
  • Final players departing March 10-11
  • Zimbabwe team also faced similar disruptions
  • Travel rerouted via Addis Ababa
2 min read

T20 WC: West Indies players depart India after nine-day wait

West Indies cricket team secures commercial flights home from India after a nine-day wait due to airspace closures from the Israel-Iran conflict.

"In the interest of the well-being and safety of its players and support staff... - Cricket West Indies"

New Delhi, March 10

Cricket West Indies have confirmed that commercial travel arrangements have been secured for members of the West Indies national cricket team currently in India after continued delays with a charter flight organised by the International Cricket Council.

West Indies are one of the teams stranded in India due to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict leading to the closure of the airspace in West Asia.

"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. Multiple approaches have since been made through CWI, players, and other partners, in coordination with the ICC, to secure commercial travel to facilitate the squad's safe return. It is important to note that some players and staff have already departed, with the remaining members scheduled to depart today, Tuesday, 10th March, and tomorrow, Wednesday, 11th March 2026," CWI said in a statement.

"Cricket West Indies appreciates the concern and interest of fans and key stakeholders in the resolution of this matter and wishes to thank all parties for their support and patience," the statement further added.

Just like the West Indies, Zimbabwe played their last match at the T20 World Cup on March 1, losing to South Africa by five wickets in their Super Eights clash in New Delhi. They were to depart in three batches earlier, but the plan was cancelled due to airspace restrictions.

Earlier, on March 5, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said the team was on their way home from India in batches after the ICC secured alternative travel arrangements.

An ICC official told IANS that the Zimbabwe team will travel to Harare from New Delhi via Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Must have been so stressful for the players. Imagine finishing your tournament and then being stuck in a hotel for 9 days, unsure when you'll get home. Hope they had a good experience in India despite the unexpected extension. Safe travels to the Windies team! 🏏✈️
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Rohit P
This shows how interconnected the world is. A conflict in West Asia strands cricket teams in South Asia. CWI made the right call to go commercial instead of waiting on an uncertain charter. Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands. Good decision.
S
Sarah B
While I'm glad they're getting home, I do think the article could have mentioned the efforts of local Indian hosts more. I'm sure the hotel staff, security, and many others worked extra to accommodate them during this unplanned stay. A shout-out to them would have been nice.
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Vikram M
Zimbabwe going via Addis Ababa and Windies finally on commercial flights... it's a logistical nightmare. The ICC needs to learn from this. For the next World Cup, they must have multiple verified exit routes for all teams, not just the ones that make the finals. Yaar, basic planning!
K
Kavya N
Feel bad for them, but also, they got to spend more time in our incredible country! Hope they managed to see some sights beyond the hotel and stadium. Delhi has so much to offer. Wishing all the stranded players and staff a safe and smooth journey home.

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