The victorious Indian cricket team, fresh off their T20 World Cup triumph, finds their celebrations dampened as Hurricane Beryl has stranded them in Barbados. The severe weather conditions have led to the closure of the island’s airport, delaying the team’s return to India.
Top News Highlights
Barbados PM’s Warning
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has issued a warning about the imminent impact of Hurricane Beryl, urging residents and visitors to stay safe. She expects the airport to reopen within the next 6 to 12 hours, depending on weather conditions (NDTV Sports).
Flight Delays
The Indian team, along with coaches and BCCI officials, was scheduled to depart on Tuesday evening. However, due to the hurricane, all flights have been canceled, and the team will remain in Barbados until the storm passes (ESPNcricinfo).
Special Arrangements by BCCI
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah assured reporters that efforts are underway to arrange a special charter flight for the team. “Like you, we are also stuck here. After the travel plans are clear, we will think about the felicitation,” Shah said, highlighting the logistical challenges posed by the hurricane (Cricket.com).
Social Media Updates
Harsha Bhogle on Barbados
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on the situation: “Goodbye #Barbados. A land of great beauty, where people laugh easily and time isn’t something to stress about. And the dreaded Kensington Oval now has a happy place in Indian cricket history” (Harsha Bhogle).
Vikrant Gupta’s Update
Sports journalist Vikrant Gupta provided a timely update: “Good news. The Indian team to finally fly out of Barbados on a special flight arranged by BCCI Tuesday 6 pm local time. To land in Delhi around 7.45 pm Wednesday” (Vikrant Gupta).
Hurricane Beryl’s Impact
Disruption and Precaution
Hurricane Beryl, now a Category 4 storm, has caused significant disruption across Barbados. The island’s infrastructure, including electricity and water supply, has been affected. The airport shutdown is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff (India Today).
What Are Hurricanes?
Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms that can cause widespread damage due to strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding. Hurricane Beryl’s intensity and trajectory have raised concerns about safety and prompted extensive preparations across the island (The Indian Express).
Looking Ahead
Expected Return
With the situation in Barbados gradually stabilizing, the Indian cricket team is expected to depart on a specially arranged charter flight. The team is anticipated to arrive in New Delhi by Wednesday evening, bringing an end to an unexpected delay in their celebratory return (The Times of India).
Celebration Plans
Despite the delay, the BCCI is planning a grand felicitation ceremony for the team upon their return to India. The World Cup-winning squad, led by Rohit Sharma and featuring star players like Virat Kohli, is eagerly awaited by fans and officials alike (Hindustan Times).
