The T20 World Cup-winning Team India’s home return has been delayed as the airport in Barbados has been shut due to the Hurricane Beryl.
The hurricane Beryl is said to be “extremely dangerous” and has been put in Category 4, with winds as strong as 210 kmph.
The hurricane is expected to bring 3 to 6 inches of rain across the island nation and the Windward Islands throughout the day on Monday, which the NHC warned could cause flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
The Team India were expected to leave Barbados on Monday at 11 AM local time (8.30 PM IST) for New York from where they had a connecting flight to Dubai and then to India. However, the airport was shut down due to the impending hurricane, the team has been forced to stay back in Barbados. South Africa, who finished as the runners-up, had left earlier.
Another concerning factor is that the hotel where Indian delegation is staying is very close to the coast which is expected to be hit by the Hurricane.
The Indian delegation, which includes players, coaching staff, family members, and officials, numbers around 70 individuals.
BCCI general secretary Jay Shah is also with the team at the hotel and is reportedly overseeing the situation. The BCCI is planning to arrange a direct charter from Barbados to Delhi but that will only be possible when the airport opens.