KARACHI: The West Indies team for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has started leaving India on commercial flights after the International Cricket Council (ICC) repeatedly failed to arrange charter flights, the Caribbean side’s governing body said on Tuesday.
“Following repeated delays in chartered flight arrangements organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), business travel for members of the West Indies team in India has now been secured,” said CWI’s third report.
“As usual for men’s and women’s ICC World Cups, all travel and accommodation arrangements for the participating teams are coordinated and managed by the ICC,” it added.
West Indies, who were knocked out of the 2026 T20 World Cup following their Super Eight defeat at the hands of champions India at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 1, were stranded in the city for nine days as their chartered flights were repeatedly delayed, making the situation “worse”, CWI said.
“The chartered flight intended to carry both the West Indies and South Africa teams was repeatedly delayed. After completing the game, the West Indies team waited nine (9) days for the trip to India,” the CWI’s statement continued.
“However, uncertainty surrounding the ICC-organized charter, resulting from global tensions and aviation regulations, has made the situation even more worrisome.”
As a result, considering the well-being of its players and support staff, the CWI informed the ICC that it was “no longer wise” to wait for charter flights, and after several approaches by the team, players and other partners, the apex body was able to facilitate the team’s return to the Caribbean.
Issuing a media release, it further shared that some of its players and support staff have already left and the rest of the batch will leave today and Wednesday.
“In the interest of the welfare and safety of its players and support staff, Cricket West Indies has advised the ICC that it is not prudent to continue waiting on charter arrangements that are uncertain. A number of approaches are being taken by CWI, players and other partners in coordination with the ICC to facilitate a commercially safe journey,” CWI said.
“Some players and staff have already departed and the remaining members will depart today, Tuesday, 10 March and tomorrow, Wednesday, 11 March 2026,” it concluded.