The ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran has disrupted travel across the sporting world, with several teams participating in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup facing difficulties returning home after their matches.
Among those affected is the West Indies team, whose departure from India has been delayed due to international airspace restrictions caused by heightened security concerns in the Gulf region.
Expressing his frustration, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said he simply wants to return home. The former two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain shared his feelings on X on Thursday, posting: “I just wanna go home.”
I just wanna go home
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) March 5, 2026
However, Daren Sammy later shared another update on X, expressing frustration over the lack of clarity around the team’s departure.
“At least an update, tell us something. Today, tomorrow, next week. It’s been 5 days,” Sammy wrote in another post on his X account.
At least an update, tell us something. Today tmw, next week. It’s been 5 days
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) March 5, 2026
Earlier on Monday, Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that the team’s departure from India had been postponed following their exit from the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup due to airspace restrictions in the Gulf region.
In an official statement, CWI said:
“These restrictions are a direct result of the security threats posed by military action in the Gulf region, which has impacted several international flight routes and required airlines to adjust scheduled services for safety reasons.”
The board added that the safety and well-being of players, coaching staff, and officials remain its highest priority.
“CWI is 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 statement said.
West Indies were eliminated from the tournament after a five-wicket loss to India at Eden Gardens in Kolkata during the Super 8 stage. The Caribbean side had remained unbeaten during the league stage but suffered defeats against South Africa and India, eventually missing out on a place in the semi-finals.
In their final match, West Indies posted 195/4, with contributions from Roston Chase (40), Shai Hope (32), and Shimron Hetmyer (27). A late unbeaten 76-run partnership between Jason Holder (37*) and Rovman Powell (34*) helped push the total.
India’s bowling was led by Jasprit Bumrah, who took 2/36. The hosts chased down the target with key innings from Sanju Samson (97* off 50 balls), Suryakumar Yadav (18 off 16), and Tilak Varma (27 off 15) to seal a comfortable victory.
West Indies have previously won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup twice, in 2012 and 2016.