Just when it seemed that Darren Sammy’s plea was finally heard and the West Indies were heading back home, the waiting game continued. The West Indies’ T20 World Cup campaign ended days ago. Their journey home, however, is still stuck in limbo.

West Indies team still stuck in limbo

Five days after their elimination from the tournament, the Caribbean side remains stranded in Kolkata as international airspace restrictions triggered by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt travel plans. While a charter flight has been arranged by ICC to take the team back home, the final clearance from air traffic authorities is still awaited.

The West Indies were knocked out of the T20 World Cup after losing to India by five wickets in the Super Eights clash at Eden Gardens on Sunday. Sanju Samson single-handedly bowed the WI out of the tournament. The team had originally planned to leave shortly after the match via Dubai, one of the busiest transit hubs between India and the Caribbean. However, escalating tensions in West Asia led to widespread airspace closures, forcing airlines to suspend several routes.

Cricket West Indies had earlier confirmed that a charter flight was being arranged following discussions with the International Cricket Council. The decision came after the squad remained stuck in Kolkata for more than four days.

In a statement, the board said the departure was expected within 24 hours but would depend on final air traffic approvals. CWI also assured that the players and support staff remain safe while travel arrangements continue to be finalised.

South Africa and Zimbabwe also affected

While the West Indies waited for clarity, Zimbabwe have already begun their journey back home. Their squad is travelling in batches after the ICC arranged alternative routes following cancellations of flights through Dubai. Zimbabwe players are now flying to Harare via Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. The first group departed earlier this week, while the remaining members are expected to leave on Friday.

The travel disruption has not affected West Indies alone. South Africa’s squad, which lost the semifinal to New Zealand, is also waiting for clarity regarding their return journey. According to officials, four South African players may leave for New Zealand soon to prepare for the upcoming five-match T20I series beginning March 15. Three common players who were part of the Proteas T20 World Cup team and will be action in NZ vs SA T20I series are Keshav Maharaj, George Linde and Jason Smith.

Meanwhile, some West Indies players may stay back in India as the IPL approaches. Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Shimron Hetmyer and Romario Shepherd are all expected to join their respective franchises once the travel situation stabilises.