Five days after their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 defeat to India, the West Indies team remains stuck in Kolkata amid Middle East airspace closures from Iran-US-Israel tensions. Coach Daren Sammy aired impatience on social media, while some players prepare for IPL. Zimbabwe, also affected, is returning in ICC-arranged batches.
The West Indies senior men's team, eliminated from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 after losing to India at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on March 1, has been unable to depart India. Initial delays reported earlier this week stem from Gulf airspace restrictions due to military actions involving Iran, the US, and Israel, forcing airlines to reroute or cancel flights.
Head coach Daren Sammy expressed growing frustration on X (formerly Twitter), posting: “I just wanna go home” and “At least an update, tell us something. Today tmw, next week. It’s been 5 days.” Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed ongoing delays, prioritizing safety and working with the ICC, governments, and airlines for swift arrangements. The team is safe and accommodated in India.
Several West Indies players—Rovman Powell (Kolkata Knight Riders), Sherfane Rutherford (Mumbai Indians), Shimron Hetmyer (Rajasthan Royals), and Romario Shepherd (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)—plan to remain for IPL pre-season camps later this month.
Zimbabwe, who topped Group B before Super 8 exits, initially faced similar Dubai route disruptions. The ICC arranged alternatives, with Zimbabwe Cricket confirming the first batch departed March 4 via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the final group set for March 6. The teams' plight underscores wider travel issues from the regional conflict.
