West Indies Senior Men’s Team struck in India

After two-time winners, the West Indies Senior Men’s Team were knocked out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday, March 1st, 2026; their plans to head home have been interrupted.

This, as on Monday, their departure from India was delayed due to international airspace restrictions.

In a release, the Cricket West Indies (CWI) said the restrictions, which are a direct result of the security threats posed by military action in the Gulf Region, “have impacted several international flight routes and required airlines to adjust scheduled services for safety reasons”.

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran reportedly killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader for nearly four decades, sparking a conflict that is now drawing in much of the Middle East.

On Sunday, Iran responded with an unprecedented wave of strikes across the Middle East, targeting several countries that host US military bases, such as Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, causing airspace restrictions in the region.

The CWI said they are working closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC), relevant governmental authorities and airline partners to “secure the earliest possible safe travel arrangements for the squad and support staff”.

The team, which is currently accommodated in India, is said to be “safe and well”.

CWI is continuing “to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as confirmed travel arrangements are finalised”.

They expressed their appreciation and the concern of fans, families, and stakeholders.

Vincentian Physiotherapist Dr Denis Byam is part of the West Indies Team Management Unit.