Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Mar 6: West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein expressed frustration over delays in the team’s return from India after their exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, even jokingly asking football star Cristiano Ronaldo to send his private jet to rescue him.
International travel has been disrupted following escalating tensions linked to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, resulting in flight cancellations and heightened security alerts across several airports in West Asia.
After their T20 World Cup campaign ended in the subcontinent, West Indies players and support staff have been unable to return home due to cancelled flights related to the volatile situation in the Gulf region.
“At this point, I'm better off asking Cristiano Ronaldo to send the jet and come rescue me, yes?” Hosein posted on X.
The Caribbean side has been staying in Kolkata since their campaign ended with a five-wicket defeat to India national cricket team at Eden Gardens last Sunday.
Earlier on Thursday, West Indies head coach Darren Sammy sought clarity from the International Cricket Council regarding the team’s travel arrangements.
Soon after, Cricket West Indies issued a statement confirming that efforts were underway to organise a charter flight to bring the squad back home.
“During a high-level call earlier today involving CWI, ICC officials, a representative of team management, and a representative of the players, 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,” the board said in a statement.
CWI added that the departure time would depend on final air traffic approvals and that the team remains safe while arrangements are being finalised.
The governing body also said it has remained in constant communication with the players, team management and the ICC since their last match against India. It noted that the situation remains complex due to international airspace restrictions arising from security concerns in the Gulf region.
Meanwhile, there is also a possibility that some players may not travel back immediately and could remain in India to join their respective franchises for the upcoming Indian Premier League season.