The Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed that the departure of the West Indies cricket team from India has been delayed due to international airspace restrictions linked to escalating security concerns in the Gulf region. The development comes after airlines were forced to revise several global flight routes following military activity in the area.
In an official statement released on Monday, CWI explained that the restrictions are directly connected to security threats affecting major international air corridors. As a result, airlines have been compelled to alter or suspend certain scheduled services for safety reasons. The board emphasised that the safety and well-being of players, coaching staff, and team officials remain its highest priority during this period of uncertainty.
CWI also confirmed that it is working closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC), relevant government authorities, and airline partners to arrange the earliest possible safe travel plans for the squad and support staff. For now, the entire West Indies contingent remains safely accommodated in India while officials continue to monitor developments surrounding international travel routes.
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The delay comes shortly after the Caribbean side’s campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup came to an end following a five-wicket defeat to the India national cricket team in their final Super Eight clash at Eden Gardens. Despite entering the Super Eight stage with strong momentum and an unbeaten run in the league phase, West Indies failed to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Flight operations across parts of the Gulf region have been suspended amid heightened security concerns, with damage also reported at Dubai International Airport – one of the world’s busiest airports.https://t.co/hduXwWPrhl
— News18 CricketNext (@cricketnext) March 3, 2026
In their final outing, West Indies posted a competitive 195/4. Roston Chase contributed 40, while Shai Hope added 32 and Shimron Hetmyer chipped in with 27. A late surge came through an unbeaten 76-run stand between Jason Holder (37*) and Rovman Powell (34*).
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India’s bowling attack was led by Jasprit Bumrah, who finished with figures of 2/36. In response, India successfully chased down the target thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 97 from Sanju Samson, supported by Suryakumar Yadav (18) and Tilak Varma (27). West Indies remain one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history, having lifted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title twice, in 2012 and 2016.
