By Leslie Rajan 
After a thrilling victory against South Africa in the T20 World Cup final, the Indian cricket team found themselves stranded in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl. However, the team is set to return home, with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah closely monitoring the entire situation.
A Stormy Post-Win Situation
The Indian cricket team, fresh from their seven-run triumph in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, has been stuck in Barbados for three days amidst Hurricane Beryl. The hurricane has caused significant disruptions, but efforts have been made to ensure the safe return of the team.
Rajeev Shukla Provides an Update
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla took to social media to update fans and stakeholders about the team’s travel plans. In a post on his X account (formerly known as Twitter), Shukla said, “Thank God team India is flying back from Barbados this evening to Delhi. Will be reaching tomorrow evening. They were stuck for three days there because of a massive hurricane.”
He further added, “@BCCI has made all arrangements for safe flight of players back home. BCCI secretary @JayShah (Jay Shah) himself is monitoring the whole situation.”
Special Charter Flight Arrangements
To facilitate the team’s return, a special Air India charter flight named AIC24WC — Air India Champions 24 World Cup — has been arranged. This flight will carry the Indian squad, its support staff, players’ families, some board officials, and Indian media members.
However, there have been multiple reports of delays. The flight, initially scheduled to depart earlier, is now expected to take off from Barbados around 4:30 am local time on Wednesday, following a stop in New Jersey, USA.
If everything goes according to plan, the flight will take approximately 16 hours to reach Delhi, with the team expected to land on Thursday at 6 am IST.
Resuming Operations and the Road Ahead
The Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados resumed operations on Tuesday, which has facilitated the team’s departure. Originally, the team was scheduled to leave Barbados around 6 pm local time on July 2 and arrive in Delhi by 7:45 pm IST on Wednesday.
Awaiting a Grand Welcome
Upon their return, the players are set to be felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the schedule for this event has not yet been finalized due to the delays caused by the hurricane.
Hurricane Beryl has now downgraded to a Category 4 storm and is moving towards Jamaica, easing the situation slightly for those in its previous path.
Conclusion
The Indian cricket team’s journey home has been fraught with challenges due to Hurricane Beryl. However, with the meticulous arrangements made by the BCCI and the watchful eye of Jay Shah, the team is finally on their way back to India. Fans eagerly await their heroes’ return and the grand celebration that will follow.