Indian cricket team’s Barbados flight faces further delay.
Sources reported that the Indian team’s special flight from Barbados is now expected to tentatively land in New Delhi at 6 AM on Thursday. The delay has caused some adjustments in the team’s schedule, but they are set to arrive on time for their upcoming commitments. The team has been in Barbados for a series of matches and is returning to India after completing their fixtures.
Bridgetown: The departure of the T20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team from the Caribbean island has been delayed due to the late arrival of their charter flight.
An Air India special charter flight named AIC24WC — Air India Champions 24 World Cup — is scheduled to bring back the Indian squad, support staff, players’ families, and board officials along with Indian media. They have been stranded in Barbados for the past three days due to hurricane Beryl.
Led by Rohit Sharma, the team clinched the title with a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the final on Saturday. The charter flight, which departed from New Jersey, USA on July 2, is expected to land in Barbados around 2 am local time.
According to the revised schedule, the flight is now set to depart from Barbados at 4:30 am local time. The journey to Delhi will take approximately 16 hours, with an expected landing at 6 am (IST) on Thursday, barring further delays.
Operations at Grantley Adams International Airport resumed on Tuesday after weather disruptions. However, the delayed flight has prompted adjustments in their travel plans.
The delay has caused some inconvenience, but arrangements are being made to ensure the safe return of the team and accompanying personnel. Fans and officials eagerly await their arrival back in India after their successful campaign in the T20 World Cup, which captured the nation’s attention with their impressive performance and ultimate victory.
The delayed departure of the T20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team from Barbados has led to uncertainties regarding their scheduled felicitation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the timing of the event remains undecided.
Following their victorious campaign led by captain Rohit Sharma, the Indian team, along with support staff, players’ families, and accompanying board officials and media personnel, has been awaiting the arrival of their Air India special charter flight, named AIC24WC — Air India Champions 24 World Cup. Stranded in Barbados due to the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, they have faced unexpected delays in their journey back to India.
Hurricane Beryl, originally classified as a Category 5 storm, has now been downgraded to a Category 4 as it progresses towards Jamaica. The storm’s trajectory has been closely monitored, with local authorities and international agencies issuing advisories and taking precautionary measures to mitigate potential impacts.
The Indian team’s departure was initially scheduled for July 2, with plans to return to Delhi on July 3. However, adverse weather conditions and logistical challenges following Hurricane Beryl’s passage disrupted these plans, extending the team’s stay in Barbados.
Grantley Adams International Airport, where the team has been grounded, resumed operations on Tuesday after temporary closure due to the storm. The revised flight schedule now aims for departure at 4:30 am local time from Barbados, with an estimated 16-hour flight duration to Delhi. Barring further delays, the team is expected to touch down at 6 am (IST) on Thursday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office has expressed eagerness to felicitate the victorious players upon their return. However, the exact timing and arrangements for the felicitation ceremony have not yet been finalized, pending the team’s safe arrival and logistical considerations.
The T20 World Cup triumph marked a significant achievement for Indian cricket, with Rohit Sharma’s leadership guiding the team to a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the final. The players’ exceptional performance throughout the tournament captivated the nation’s attention, drawing praise for their resilience and skill on the global stage.
In addition to the felicitation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, various state governments and cricketing bodies have planned celebrations and honors for the players upon their return. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and affiliated associations are preparing to extend warm receptions to the team members across different states.
The delay in the team’s return underscores the unpredictability of weather-related disruptions during international travel, affecting not only sports teams but also diplomatic and commercial activities. Efforts are underway to ensure the smooth repatriation of all personnel stranded in Barbados, prioritizing their safety and comfort amid ongoing logistical challenges.
As the situation with Hurricane Beryl evolves, authorities continue to monitor its path and potential impact on surrounding regions, including Jamaica. Precautionary measures remain in place to safeguard communities and minimize any adverse effects from the storm’s passage.
For the Indian cricket team, the extended stay in Barbados has offered moments of reflection and camaraderie amidst the challenges of international competition and unforeseen circumstances. Their eventual return to India promises a jubilant reception, celebrating their achievement and resilience in the face of adversity during the T20 World Cup journey.