Windies book own flights after 'distressing' wait

Kolkata, India – West Indies’ T20 World Cup campaign ended on 1 March at the Super 8 stage, but the team’s departure from India has proved a far thornier affair. After days of what Cricket West Indies (CWI) describes as an “increasingly distressing” wait for an ICC-organised charter flight, the squad has taken matters into its own hands and is now flying home on commercial services.

The charter, originally scheduled to carry both West Indies and South Africa out of Kolkata, was repeatedly postponed amid Middle-East-linked aviation disruption and shifting global regulations. CWI said the prolonged uncertainty left players and staff in limbo, forcing the board to advise the ICC that further delay was “no longer prudent”.

Working alongside players, commercial partners and the ICC, CWI secured seats on scheduled flights. Some members of the touring party have already left India; the remaining players and support staff are expected to depart on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Cricket South Africa’s travel plans are unclear; BBC Sport has requested comment. England, knocked out in the semi-finals on Thursday, flew home on Saturday, prompting accusations of preferential treatment that the ICC has “categorically” denied.