West Indies players to finally return home on commercial flights

The West Indies contingent, struck in India for several days following the conclusion of their T20 World Cup campaign, will finally return home on commercial flights. Cricket West Indies confirmed in a statement that some players and staff had already departed with the rest departing on March 10 and 11. West Indies played their last World Cup game against India on March 1. Since then, they have remained in India because the ongoing crisis in the gulf region has forced air spaces to close or severely limit operations. South Africa, after losing their semifinal have also remained in India whereas England have managed to return home. West Indies head coach Daren Sammy repeatedly made pleas on social media, seeking information on their return plans with the likes of Akeal Hosein and Shimron Hetmyer voicing their frustration as well. In response to the conflict, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a statement on February 28 stating that it had activated emergency plans to "support stakeholder safety and well-being." "The safety and well-being of every individual connected to our event is the ICC's highest priority," said a statement released by the ICC. "We have already mobilised our travel, logistics and security teams, and are working around the clock to ensure that all stakeholders can return home safely, with minimal disruption..." CWI confirmed that the charter flight that was intended to carry the players from both WI and South Africa kept getting delayed repeatedly following which arrangements were made to return home on commercial flights. CWI recalled in a statement, "After completing play, the West Indies squad remained in India for nine (9) days awaiting travel." "However, ongoing uncertainty surrounding the ICC-organized charter, as a result of global tensions and aviation regulations, made the situation increasingly distressing. "In the interest of the well-being and safety of its players and support staff, Cricket West Indies advised the ICC that it was no longer prudent to continue waiting on the charter arrangements, which remain uncertain. Since then, the ICC, in conjunction with the CWI, players, and other partners, have made numerous attempts to secure commercial travel to facilitate the safe return of the squad.