Daren Sammy (Photo: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images) NEW DELHI: West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed frustration after the team’s return from India was delayed following their exit from the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. The delay was caused by restrictions on international airspace in the Persian Gulf region due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which forced airlines to change several flight routes.Also See: IND vs NZ Live Score T20 World Cup 2026 Final
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Sammy made his feelings clear on social media. In a short post on X, he wrote: “I just want to go home.” He also later shared an emotional message on Instagram, saying: “Dear Lord. I put this situation in your hands and I pray that you bless everyone dealing with it. Give them whatever it takes to get us all safely to our destination sooner rather than later. I ask this in your precious name. Amen.”Cricket West Indies has confirmed that the team’s travel plans have been delayed due to security concerns affecting flight routes in the Persian Gulf region. In a statement, the council said: “These restrictions are a direct result of security threats posed by military action in the Persian Gulf region, which has affected several international flight routes and required airlines to adjust scheduled flights for security reasons.”
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The board also stressed that the safety of players, coaches and staff remains a top priority and said it was working with the International Cricket Council, government authorities and airlines to ensure a safe journey home as soon as possible.The delay comes after West Indies crashed out of the Super Eights tournament following a five-wicket defeat to India at the Eden Gardens. Despite a good performance in the group stage, the Caribbean side failed to reach the semi-finals.West Indies posted 195/4 in their last match but India chased down the target comfortably, led by a brilliant unbeaten 97 from Sanju Samson.West Indies remain one of the most successful teams in T20 history, having won the T20 World Cup twice – in 2012 and 2016.
