West Indies book commercial flights home from T20 World Cup in India after ‘agonizing’ wait for ICC charter flights delayed

The West Indies team will return home via commercial flights from India after an “agonizing” wait following their exit from the Men’s T20 World Cup.

West Indies have been stuck in Kolkata since crashing out of the tournament on March 1 amid travel disruption caused by conflict across the Middle East.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) was to arrange a charter flight for both West Indies and South Africa.

But Cricket West Indies (CWI) said this had been “repeatedly delayed”.

“The continuing uncertainty surrounding the ICC’s charter, as a result of global tensions and aviation regulations, has made the situation increasingly worrying,” the CWI said.

“For the welfare and safety of players and support staff, Cricket West Indies has informed the ICC that it is no longer prudent to continue to await the charter arrangements, which remain uncertain.

“Several approaches have since been made through CWI, players and other partners, in coordination with the ICC, to secure commercial travel to facilitate the safe return of the team.”

Some West Indies players and staff have already departed, with the rest of the group scheduled to depart on Tuesday and Wednesday.

BBC Sport has contacted Cricket South Africa to outline their plans.

The ICC has been criticized by players from the West Indies and South Africa for failing to adequately resolve the issue.

England, who lost Thursday’s semi-final, returned home on Saturday, leading to accusations of bias at the ICC, which cricket’s global governing body has “categorically” denied.