Flight Cancellation Leaves West Indies, South Africa Teams Stuck in India

West Indies, South Africa Teams Stranded in Kolkata After Charter Flight Cancellation

The charter flight arranged to take the West Indies and South Africa cricket teams out of Kolkata was cancelled on Tuesday after failing to receive airspace clearance, leaving both squads stranded in the city with no confirmed route home.

The two teams were scheduled to board a shared charter flight to Johannesburg, from where the West Indies players were expected to continue their journey to Antigua. The special flight had been organised after both squads found themselves stuck in India following the conclusion of their T20 World Cup campaigns.

However, international airspace restrictions linked to the ongoing tensions in West Asia have complicated travel routes, making it difficult to secure a safe and approved path for the flight.

Stranded for Days

The West Indies team has been in Kolkata since their Super Eight defeat to India at Eden Gardens on March 1. South Africa, which suffered a semifinal loss at the same venue on March 4, has also remained in the city since then. At present, 12 West Indies players along with 10 support staff members are still in Kolkata. From the South African camp, 12 players and two support staff members remain stranded.

With the charter flight now cancelled, several players have begun exploring individual travel options. However, those plans are also dependent on obtaining necessary airspace clearances. The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket West Indies are working to find alternative travel arrangements, but no confirmed departure schedule has been announced so far.

Waiting for a Way Out

The West Indies, led by Shai Hope, had entered the T20 World Cup 2026 hoping to make a deep run in the tournament. Their campaign ended in the Super Eight stage after the loss to India at Eden Gardens. South Africa’s journey ended at the semifinal stage at the same venue, leaving them in a similar situation.

For both teams, Kolkata has turned into an unexpected and prolonged final stop in their World Cup journey. Until the airspace situation improves and clearances are granted, the players and support staff can do little but wait for a way home.