Kamal Ghorui
West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein took to social media to express frustration over the team’s delayed return from India after their exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup, even jokingly asking football star Cristiano Ronaldo to “rescue” him. International travel has been disrupted since tensions escalated following the conflict involving the USA, Israel and Iran, leading to flight cancellations and heightened alerts at several airports in West Asia.After their T20 World Cup campaign ended in the subcontinent, the West Indies players and support staff have faced difficulties travelling back home because of cancelled flights linked to the situation in West Asia. The development came despite Cricket West Indies (CWI) stating on Thursday that it was working to arrange a charter flight for the squad that could take them home within 24 hours.“At this point, I’m better off asking Cristiano Ronaldo to send the jet and come rescue me, yes?” Hosein said on X.
The Caribbean side has been in Kolkata since their tournament ended with a five-wicket defeat to India at Eden Gardens last Sunday. Earlier on Thursday, West Indies head coach Darren Sammy also sought clarity from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the team’s travel plans.Soon after, CWI issued a statement confirming that efforts were underway to arrange the team’s return.“During a high-level call earlier today involving CWI, ICC officials, a representative of team management, and a representative of the players, it was confirmed that a charter flight is currently being arranged for the team’s departure from India, with the expected departure scheduled within the next 24 hours,” the CWI said in a statement. The departure time remains subject to final air traffic approvals. The team remains safe and well as arrangements continue to be finalized,” the governing body added.“CWI has remained in constant dialogue with the players, team management, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) since their last match against India. While the situation remains complex and fluid due to international airspace restrictions arising from security concerns in the Gulf region, CWI assures the public that every precaution is being taken to ensure the safe return of the team to the Caribbean,” said CWI.There is also a possibility that several players may not travel back immediately and could stay in India to join their respective franchises for the upcoming Indian Premier League.
