The Indian cricket team had been stranded in Barbados for three days after winning the T20 World Cup against South Africa due to a category 4 hurricane. Finally, the team embarked on their journey back to Delhi on a chartered flight from Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport. The special Air India charter flight, designated AIC24WC, took off around 4:50 am local time and is expected to arrive in Delhi on Thursday at approximately 6:20 am (IST).
Captain Rohit Sharma shared a photo on Instagram inside the aircraft with the trophy captioned “Coming home.” The flight, arranged by the BCCI, carries the Indian squad, support staff, players’ families, board officials, and members of the travelling media. The Boeing 777, originating from New Jersey, USA, landed in Barbados around 2 am local time, impressing airport staff with its size. The airport had recently resumed operations after the hurricane.
Initially set to depart at 6 pm local time on July 2, the Indian team’s departure was delayed due to the late arrival of the plane. Upon their return, the players will be honored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortly after landing. Plans are also in place for a road-show in Mumbai to celebrate the team’s victory and end an 11-year trophy drought. Meanwhile, Hurricane Beryl is heading towards Jamaica.