West Indies squad returns home after travel hurdles in India

Cricket - ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 - Super 8 - India v West Indies - Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India - March 1, 2026 West Indies' Rovman Powell and Jason Holder walk back to the pavilion at the end of the innings.
Cricket – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Super 8 – India v West Indies – Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India – March 1, 2026 West Indies’ Rovman Powell and Jason Holder walk back to the pavilion at the end of the innings.
REUTERS/Sahiba Chawdhary

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed that the final members of the West Indies men’s cricket team, who participated in the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India, have safely returned home. This announcement brings to a close a particularly challenging week for the board, players, and Team Management Unit (TMU), who faced unexpected logistical difficulties during the squad’s exit from India.

The return journey was complicated after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup, as several chartered flights originally organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) were canceled at short notice. This led to uncertainty around the safe and timely departure of the squad and supporting staff, drawing concern from both regional and international cricketing communities.

Despite these disruptions, CWI officials worked tirelessly throughout the week to coordinate alternative commercial travel arrangements. The board confirmed that the staggered return process was successfully completed over several days, with the final group of players arriving safely at their respective home destinations across the Caribbean.

In a statement, CWI emphasized that the safety and well-being of the players and staff remained their top priority throughout the process.

“The well-being and safety of our players and staff remain paramount,” the board stated. “We are grateful that the matter has now been brought to a safe and satisfactory conclusion.”

The successful return of the “Men in Maroon” was the result of a coordinated effort involving multiple stakeholders. CWI expressed particular gratitude to the ICC for their assistance in managing the unexpected changes, as well as to regional cricket boards and other key partners who facilitated the complex travel logistics on short notice.

Additionally, the board acknowledged the widespread support and concern expressed by the Caribbean public and the global cricket community during the period of uncertainty. Fans and cricket enthusiasts had closely followed the developments, sending messages of encouragement and support for the players’ safe return.

With the squad now back home, the focus can shift from travel and logistics to preparation for upcoming series and tournaments.