The West Indies cricket team has been stranded in Kolkata after their exit from the T20 World Cup, as rising tensions in the Middle East have led to the closure of crucial air corridors across West Asia. The team had been scheduled to leave India soon after their elimination in the Super 8 stage, but widespread aviation disruptions have prevented their departure.
The travel chaos follows a pre-emptive strike by Israel on Iran, which triggered heightened security concerns and airspace restrictions across the region. Key transit hubs frequently used for long-haul routes between India and the Caribbean — including Dubai International Airport — have either shut down operations or significantly reduced flight services.
With West Asian airspace partially closed, numerous international flights have been cancelled or rerouted, affecting not only regular passengers but also sports teams. The Zimbabwe national cricket team has also been left stranded in Delhi due to the same restrictions.
The International Cricket Council is working with airlines and relevant authorities to organise alternative travel plans for the affected squads. Efforts are reportedly focused on securing routes through European, South Asian and Southeast Asian transit points to bypass the restricted West Asian corridor.
Although no new departure timeline has been finalised, officials are optimistic that revised arrangements can be made once airlines stabilise schedules and identify viable transit options.
For the moment, the West Indies players remain in Kolkata, awaiting further clarity as geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt global aviation and international sport.
