More than a week after their campaign ended in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the West Indies national cricket team remain stranded in Kolkata due to ongoing international airspace disruptions. The Caribbean side were eliminated after losing their final Super 8 match against the India national cricket team, but their journey home has been delayed by several days because of geopolitical tensions affecting global travel routes.
According to reports, the travel chaos was triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East following military strikes involving the United States and Israel targeting locations in Iran. These developments have forced airlines to avoid certain airspaces, significantly affecting international flight schedules and delaying the team’s departure from India.
Earlier, Press Trust of India reported that a charter flight had been arranged to take the squad back to the Caribbean. However, final air traffic clearances are still pending, leaving players and staff waiting for official approval before they can travel.
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Amid the uncertainty, head coach Daren Sammy has been sharing updates on social media. On Friday, he posted a simple message — “Day 6” — reflecting the growing frustration within the camp as the team remains in India longer than expected.
The post quickly attracted reactions from cricket fans online. While some sympathised with the team’s situation, others responded with sarcasm. One Australian cricket follower, Jake Jeakings, commented that staying in a luxury hotel might not be such a difficult situation, sparking further debate among fans on social media.
My heart bleeds. You have to stay in your 5 star hotel, eating whatever meals you want as well as all the luxuries….
— Jake Jeakings (@JakeJeakings1) March 6, 2026
Used to stay for 2 months for IPL , now sounding like he’s in Syria
We all know what you are Sammy
— Bhavya (@bhavyaitiss) March 6, 2026
Day 6 ?
By this time West Indies could have lost 3 test matches in India
— Bharat Army (@BhartArmy) March 6, 2026
Don’t behave like a clown darren ..
Your team is stuck not due to any technical issues but due to the war scenario so take it with maturity
— Swapnil Pandit 🇮🇳 (@SwapnilMPandit2) March 6, 2026
The Indian team also stayed in Barbados for a couple days after winning the world cup in 2024 but they never did any drama like you are doing right now
As soon as the situations get normal , you and your team will get to your respective countries safely— Lakshay Bindal (@lbindal270708) March 6, 2026
Meanwhile, Cricket West Indies had already confirmed earlier that it was actively working with the International Cricket Council and team management to arrange safe travel for the squad. In an official statement, the board said a charter flight was being organised and could depart within 24 hours once the required approvals are granted.
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CWI also assured supporters that the players and staff remain safe while arrangements continue. The board added that it has been in constant communication with the squad and tournament officials as the complex travel situation evolves.
With security concerns still affecting key international air routes, the priority for the board remains ensuring a safe and smooth journey back home for the team once the airspace restrictions ease.
