CWI has confirmed that some members of the West Indies team have already made arrangements to fly back. Others were arranged to depart on Tuesday or Wednesday.
“As is customary for the ICC World Cups for men and women, all travel and accommodation arrangements for participating teams will be coordinated and managed by the ICC,” CWI said in a statement released on Tuesday.
"Charter flights to transport both the West Indies and South Africa teams were repeatedly delayed. After completing the match, the West Indies team remained in India for nine days awaiting travel. However, the situation became increasingly distressing due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the charter flights organized by the ICC due to global tensions and aviation regulations.
"For the well-being and safety of its players and support staff, Cricket West Indies has advised the ICC that it is no longer prudent to continue to wait for charter arrangements, which are still uncertain. A range of approaches have since been taken, working with the ICC through CWI, players and other partners, to secure commercial travel to facilitate the safe return of the squad. It is important to remember that some players and staff have already departed and others are due to depart today (Tuesday 10 March) and tomorrow, 2026. It’s Wednesday, March 11th.
“Cricket West Indies appreciates the support and patience of our fans and key stakeholders in resolving this matter and appreciates the support and patience of all parties.”
However, the ICC is understood to have informed teams on Monday morning that their flights had been cancelled. Late Monday, the team was informed that their charter flight was set for Tuesday at 2pm. The ICC email informed the team that that flight had also been cancelled. That’s because airports at both destinations "have issued notices to all charter operators stating that refueling of temporary charter flights will not be permitted until further notice. As a result, charter flights are currently unable to take off until this issue is resolved.”
West Indies and South Africa have been stuck in India for more than a week after the end of their respective World Cup campaigns, with airspace closed or restricted due to the West Asia crisis. Players and coaching staff from both teams expressed their frustration about this situation through social media.
*0300 GMT, March 11 The story has been updated after the ICC confirmed South Africa’s travel plans.
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