West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has posted a plea to get back home as the contingent remains in India despite their exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. They lost to India in a must-win game of the Super 8s in Kolkata that ended their tournament.
Despite this, the West Indies players and support staff remain stuck in India due to international airspace restrictions triggered by the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. In reply, Iran has struck at several locations in the Gulf countries, including the UAE, which is a stopover for most teams on their way home.
With little to no clarification on when the situation would return to normal, allowing the West Indies team to go home, Sammy's message captured the mood in the camp.
"I just want to go home," Sammy posted on X as he and the West Indies team waited for clearance to fly home.
I just wanna go home
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) March 5, 2026
Cricket West Indies stated that it is working closely with the ICC and the necessary government authorities to secure the players' safe passage. Flight operations in the Gulf region are temporarily suspended, with damage also reported at Dubai International Airport, one of the world's busiest.
"Cricket West Indies (CWI) wishes to advise that the departure of the West Indies Senior Men's Team from India, following their exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, has been delayed due to international airspace restrictions.
These restrictions are a direct result of the security threats posed by military action in the Gulf Region, which has impacted several international flight routes and required airlines to adjust scheduled services for safety reasons. CWI appreciates the understanding and concern of our fans, families, and stakeholders during this time,” CWI said in a statement.
Statement on delayed departure of West Indies Team from India.
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) March 2, 2026
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The West Indies are still here. There's no confirmation when they will leave. Obviously, things are being looked after by the ICC. I don't think West Indies boys are under any kind of pressure to go back home,” a BCCI official told PTI.
Not only the West Indies, but the Zimbabwe contingent has also been stuck in India despite their tournament ending with a defeat at the hands of South Africa.
Zimbabwe Cricket announced on Wednesday that its men's team is returning home after competing in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
The Zimbabwe team had originally intended to return to Harare via Dubai on Monday. Emirates flights from Delhi to Dubai and then to Harare were reserved for the players and support personnel. The plan was altered, though, as numerous nations closed their airspace due to tensions in West Asia, causing airlines to cancel or reroute flights.
The team's return trip was delayed due to travel issues, but the International Cricket Council organized alternative flights to enable them to get back.
“Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirms that the Zimbabwe senior men's team participating in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is on titsway home from India after the International Cricket Council secured alternative travel arrangements following recent transit disruptions.
Due to flight availability and revised routing, the squad will return to Harare in batches. The first group of players departed India today, Wednesday, while the final group is scheduled to leave on Friday afternoon. Further updates will be issued if necessary," Zimbabwe Cricket posted on X.
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— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) March 4, 2026
