West Indies player Akhil Hussain took to social media to express frustration over the team’s delayed return from India following their exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup, even jokingly asking football star Cristiano Ronaldo to… “saves” for him.
International travel has been disrupted since tensions rose following the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, leading to flight cancellations and increased alerts at many airports in West Asia.Following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup campaign in the Indian subcontinent, West Indies players and support staff faced difficulties in returning home due to flight cancellations linked to the situation in West Asia.
The development came despite Cricket West Indies (CWI) announcing on Thursday that it was working to arrange a charter flight for the team which could take them home within 24 hours.“At this point, I’d better ask Cristiano Ronaldo to send the plane and come rescue me, right?” Al-Hussein said on X.
The Caribbean side have been in Kolkata since the tournament ended in a five-goal defeat to India at Eden Gardens last Sunday.
Earlier on Thursday, West Indies head coach Darren Sammy sought clarification from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the team’s travel plans.Shortly 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 team management representative and a players’ representative, 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.” CWI said in a statement.
Departure time remains subject to final air traffic approvals. The team remains safe and final arrangements continue to be made.” The administrative 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 volatile due to international airspace restrictions arising from security concerns in the Gulf region, CWI assures the public that every precaution has been taken to ensure the team’s safe return to the Caribbean.”” CWI said.There is also a possibility that many players may not return immediately and could stay in India to join their franchises in the upcoming Indian Premier League.