India’s Axar Patel and teammates celebrate the wicket of New Zealand’s Finn Allen (ANI Photo)

India national cricket team not only lifted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 trophy but also secured a massive financial reward after defeating New Zealand national cricket team in the final in Ahmedabad.The champions will take home $3 million, which translates to approximately INR 27.48 crore, from the tournament’s prize pool. The runners up, New Zealand, will receive $1.6 million, around INR 14.65 crore.

The International Cricket Council allocated the prize money across all teams participating in the tournament, with the total pool amounting to roughly INR 120 crore. The distribution is based on how far each team progressed in the competition.The two losing semi finalists, South Africa national cricket team and England national cricket team, will each receive $790,000, which is about INR 7.24 crore.Teams that reached the Super 8 stage but failed to qualify for the semi finals will earn $380,000 each, approximately INR 3.48 crore. Meanwhile, every team that participated in the group stage is guaranteed a payout of $250,000, equivalent to around INR 2.29 crore.India’s triumph in the final was built on a dominant performance with both bat and ball. Sanju Samson led the charge with a blistering 89 off 46 balls, helping India post a massive 255 for five in the summit clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium.In response, New Zealand were bowled out for 159 as India sealed a comfortable victory to become T20 World Cup champions. Jasprit Bumrah starred with four wickets for 15 runs, while Axar Patel picked up three wickets to complete a dominant performance.

India’s players and support staff celebrate with the trophy after winning the T20 World Cup final match against New Zealand, in Ahmedabad, India, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (AP)

TimesofIndia.com in Ahmedabad: Since that emotional night on November 19, 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, India have won the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy but the feeling of incompleteness persisted due to the heartbreak in the 50-over World Cup final. In the build-up to the 2026 title clash at the same venue, the unforgettable past was remembered. Even though Suryakumar Yadav hadn’t lost a single series since taking charge in 2024, the hype of the World Cup was approached with caution. In the final, the team carrying the burden of a billion hopes in 2026 and the billion heartbreaks of 2023, delivered. And delivered with aplomb!A dominant India completely outplayed New Zealand to seal an emphatic win and become the only T20I side in history to lift back-to-back World Cup titles, and also became the first side win the trophy at home. The much-anticipated title clash turned out to be a no-contest with Suryakumar Yadav and Co. clinically owning the night, occasion and match to add another ICC trophy to their cabinet. This was coach Gautam Gambhir’s second title in as many outings in command, completing a thoroughly entertaining, and dominating, two-year cycle leading up to the big night in Ahmedabad.Chasing a mammoth 256 runs, New Zealand never really got going. Maybe it was the noise. Maybe it was the Indian bowling but bar Tim Seifert (52) and skipper Mitchell Santner (43), none of the other batters worked for the BlackCaps. Santner had wished to replicate Pat Cummins & Co. from three years ago, but in the end it was an insipid showing.For India, Jasprit Bumrah took 4/15 and stood on the cusp of taking a hat-trick at one stage. Axar Patel took three; Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakaravarthy and Abhishek Sharma plucked one each. Only Arshdeep Singh, who would take headlines for his needless go at Daryl Mitchell, went wicketless.Sometimes one shot brings a player back into form but for India, Lockie Ferguson’s over in the powerplay opened the floodgates and set the tone for the remainder of the innings. Edges flew in unintended directions but achieved the desired result. The New Zealand speedster tried to overcompensate by erring in length and was dealt with disdain. Control was not his strongest suit in the fourth over, which went for 24 runs and also brought up the first 50-run opening stand in a T20 World Cup final since the 2009 edition.India openers Sanju Samson (89 off 46 balls) and Abhishek Sharma (52 off 21 balls) put on 98 runs in just 43 balls after New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to field at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The opening stand set the tone for India as they posted 255 for 5.Abhishek Sharma was not in complete control but rode his luck to either make enough connection or find the right placement. There were a couple of chances for the fielders but “just enough” remained for the powerplay. Just one over of off-spin in the powerplay proved a tactical blunder from the Black Caps as both Sanju Samson and Abhishek feasted on some very ordinary bowling to post 92/0, the highest powerplay score in the tournament’s history. Although the two had different control percentages, they easily found and cleared the boundaries, giving the side an ominous start.The first two overs, when the fielding restrictions were on, were the only time India seemed happy to block a few deliveries as absolute carnage unfolded the moment Jacob Duffy was introduced into the attack. After 12/0 at the end of the second over, the openers added 80 runs in the next four overs. Abhishek kept batting in the same gear, the way he had longed for in the games preceding the title clash, and reached the fastest half-century of the tournament off only 18 balls. The warm hug from coach Gautam Gambhir during the drinks interval showed how the dressing room had always stood behind him and celebrated what was a superb knock under pressure.While Abhishek departed shortly after scoring his half-century, Samson continued business as usual, looking in pristine form and completing his third consecutive half-century in the tournament. The shot selection, clean connections and effortless ability to time the ball sweetly made the New Zealand bowlers duck for cover. Both Samson and the next batter, Ishan Kishan (54 off 25 balls), did not let the momentum slip as together they added 105 runs off just 48 balls to put the Kiwis on the mat.Right from the moment he walked out to bat, Ishan looked a man possessed and instantly found his spots, just as he has been doing for the last couple of months. There was muscle, there was grace and there were plenty of runs as India produced yet another daunting display with the bat. It was something expected from this dangerous unit before the start of the tournament and something that finally happened when it mattered the most, in the Super 8s, the semi-final and now the final.Samson’s 46-ball 89 and Kishan’s 25-ball 54 were exactly the contributions India needed from their top order on this batting paradise, which was aided by listless bowling. James Neesham briefly applied the brakes with a tight third over but Shivam Dube (26 not out off 8 balls) was ready to play another impactful hand to push the total beyond 250 and well beyond the Kiwis’ reach.The 256-run chase required the Kiwis not just to fly but to soar. They had the firepower in the ranks but a big match, a well-rounded Indian bowling attack and over 85,000 fans behind the defending champions meant it was going to be anything but a repeat of the domination seen in the Eden Gardens semi-final. The powerplay holds the key in these mammoth chases and India aced the first six overs to break the opposition’s back before they could gain momentum in the run chase.It could have been much worse had Shivam Dube not interrupted Arshdeep Singh’s celebration by dropping a sitter off his bowling but the combined brilliance of the left-armer, Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel reduced the opponents to just 52/3.Brief Scores:India: 255 for 5 in 20 overs. (Sanju Samson 89, Ishan Kishan 54, Abhishek Sharma 52; James Neesham 3/46).New Zealand: 159 all out in 19 overs. (Tim Seifert 52, J Bumrah 4/15, Axar Patel 3/23).

India’s Sanju Samson (ANI Photo)

Sanju Samson capped off a remarkable campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by winning the Player of the Tournament award after playing a decisive role in India national cricket team’s title triumph.Samson finished the tournament with 321 runs, an extraordinary achievement considering he played only five matches in the competition. The 31 year old was not part of India’s playing eleven at the start of the tournament and was drafted into the side after India’s loss to South Africa national cricket team. From that moment, the wicketkeeper batter produced a string of match winning performances.

His campaign was highlighted by three consecutive half centuries at the most crucial stages of the tournament. Samson first delivered a brilliant unbeaten 97 against the West Indies cricket team in a virtual quarter final, guiding India to victory in a tense chase. He followed it up with 89 in the semi final against England national cricket team and then struck another 89 in the final against New Zealand national cricket team.The Indian batter also rewrote several records during the tournament. Samson smashed 24 sixes, the most by any player in a single T20 World Cup edition. His 89 in the final is now the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final, surpassing the previous best of 85 not out by Marlon Samuels in 2016 and 85 by Kane Williamson in 2021.Samson’s tally of 321 runs is also the highest by an Indian batter in a single T20 World Cup, overtaking Virat Kohli’s record of 319 runs set during the 2014 tournament.His consistency also placed him in an elite group of players who have scored half centuries in both the semi final and the final of a T20 World Cup. Before Samson, only Shahid Afridi in 2009 and Virat Kohli in 2014 had achieved that feat.Speaking after receiving the award, Samson reflected on the journey that led to the defining tournament of his career.“Feels like a dream. Very happy and grateful. Out of words, out of emotions. [On his three fifties, thought process] To be honest, it started one-two years before. When I was in the 2024 World Cup team where I didn’t play, I kept visualising, kept on working and this was exactly what I wanted to do. After the NZ series I was broken, my dreams were completely shattered. And I was thinking what can I do. But God had different plans. And I was rewarded for being brave enough to dream. A lot of former players have reached out to me and tried to help me out.”“For the last couple of months, I have been in constant contact with Sachin sir. I reached out to him and had big big conversations with him. Getting a guidance from someone like him, what more can you ask for? I am very grateful for everyone who supported me. [What more does he want to achieve?] This itself is very big for me, I want to enjoy it right now and then after a few day will figure out what more to do.”

India’s Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson (ANI Photo)

India national cricket team produced a record breaking batting display to post the highest total ever in a final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, smashing 255 for five against New Zealand national cricket team in the 2026 summit clash in Ahmedabad on Sunday.Defending champions India were ruthless after being invited to bat, with Sanju Samson leading the charge with a stunning 89 off 45 balls. The wicketkeeper batter attacked from the very first over and combined with Abhishek Sharma to dismantle the New Zealand bowling attack.Also See: IND vs NZ Live Score T20 Word Cup Final 2026The opening pair stitched together a blistering 98 run stand in just 7.1 overs, laying a perfect platform for a massive total. Abhishek struck a quickfire 52 before Ishan Kishan continued the onslaught with an explosive 54 from only 25 deliveries.Batting with authority and relentless aggression, India raced past the 200 run mark inside just 15 overs, leaving the Kiwi bowlers struggling for answers.Samson’s knock also created history as his 89 became the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final. The Indian star surpassed the previous best of 85 not out by Marlon Samuels in 2016 and 85 by Kane Williamson in 2021.

Highest team totals in T20 WC

260/6 – SL vs KEN, Johannesburg, 2007256/4 – IND vs ZIM, Chennai, 2026255/5 – IND vs NZ, Ahmedabad, 2026 Final254/6 – WI vs ZIM, Mumbai WS, 2026253/7 – IND vs ENG, Mumbai WS, 2026 SF246/7 – ENG vs IND, Mumbai WS, 2026 SFNew Zealand briefly pulled things back in the 16th over when James Neesham struck three times in the span of six balls, dismissing Samson, Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav to halt India’s charge.However, Shivam Dube ensured India finished strongly with an unbeaten 26, hammering 24 runs off the final over from Neesham. India plundered 52 runs in the last five overs to push the total to a daunting 255 for five.The score is now the highest ever posted in a T20 World Cup final and ranks among the biggest totals in the tournament’s history.India’s dominance with the bat has also been evident in the overall T20 landscape. The team now holds the record for the most 250 plus totals in men’s T20 cricket with seven, ahead of teams such as Sunrisers Hyderabad and the West Indies cricket team.Notably, India also became only the second side to register three 250 plus totals in a single T20 competition, matching the feat achieved by Sunrisers Hyderabad during the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League.With their explosive batting display on the biggest stage, India once again underlined their dominance in the shortest format of the game.

With India preparing to face the New Zealand national cricket team in the T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, former captain Sunil Gavaskar has suggested a bold change to the playing XI. The 1983 World Cup winner believes India should consider dropping Abhishek Sharma after the opener’s prolonged struggle with the bat in the ongoing tournament.Abhishek has endured a difficult campaign in the tenth edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The left-hander has managed only 89 runs so far at an average of 12.71. His figures would have looked even worse had it not been for a half-century against the Zimbabwe national cricket team during the Super 8 stage. Alarmingly for India, Abhishek has been dismissed for a duck three times and has fallen to spin bowling on four occasions in the tournament.Also See: IND vs NZ Live Score T20 World Cup Final 2026

Gavaskar pointed out that the bigger issue is not just the lack of runs but the repeated nature of the dismissals. According to him, bowlers have consistently targeted a specific area and the batter has struggled to adapt his approach.

“It’s a very tough call. Abhishek Sharma is the No. 1 batter in the ICC T20 rankings, but he hasn’t learned from his dismissals. He keeps getting out in the same region where his arms are cramped for room,” Gavaskar told India Today.“Bowlers are targeting that area and forcing mistakes. My concern is that he either hasn’t adjusted yet or is unable to change his approach,” he added.Abhishek’s struggles were evident again in the semi-final against the England cricket team. Attempting to attack early, he fell into the trap set by spinner Will Jacks and was dismissed in just the second over after scoring nine runs.As an alternative, Gavaskar proposed bringing Rinku Singh into the side while reshuffling the top order. In his suggested combination, Ishan Kishan would partner Sanju Samson at the top of the order for the final.“I would like to see Ishan Kishan open the batting with Sanju Samson, with Rinku Singh coming into the side. Rinku has that belief, you’ve probably seen the ‘God’s Plan’ tattoo on his body, and sometimes things just work out for players like him,” Gavaskar said.The legendary batter also hinted at another possible change in the bowling department. Varun Chakravarthy has struggled for rhythm since the Super 8 stage began and endured a particularly tough outing against England, conceding more than 60 runs in his four overs during the semi-final.Gavaskar believes India could consider bringing in Kuldeep Yadav instead, especially given the conditions in Ahmedabad.“The other change I would consider is bringing in Kuldeep Yadav. Varun Chakravarthy’s confidence looks shattered at the moment. Since the Super Eight stage, when he faced stronger teams, he has struggled and conceded a lot of runs. At a ground like the Narendra Modi Stadium, with big boundaries, Kuldeep Yadav could be a good option because he can turn the ball even on flat surfaces,” Gavaskar said.

Alyssa Healy of Australia is chaired by Ashleigh Gardner and Ellyse Perry of Australia after playing her final international match and winning the match and series on day three of the Women’s Test Match between Australia and India at the WACA ground on March 08, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Alyssa Healy ended her international career on a high after leading Australia women’s national cricket team to a 10-wicket victory over India women’s national cricket team in the one-off Test at WACA Ground. The win marked the end of Healy’s 16-year international career.After the match, the Australian captain said she was proud of how the team bounced back after struggling in the T20 leg of the tour. “Really pleased with that effort. Bouncing back from the T20 series, I sense that coming into the group, there was a bit of disappointment and a little bit of uncertainty. But the way that they responded and came out and played in the last four fixtures has been unbelievable, and I’m really proud,” Healy said in her farewell speech.Also See: India vs New Zealand Live Score T20 World Cup Final 2026

Healy also used the moment to highlight the importance of Test cricket in the women’s game. “I think the white ball doesn’t really give us that opportunity to set up batters or build an innings. Learning how to play the longest form of the game is really important. So long live Test cricket and hopefully we can see more,” said Healy.The 35-year-old admitted the emotional moment truly hit her just before she addressed the team for the last time. “Honestly, it hit me just before that I get to come into that change room again and be around the girls. I’m going to enjoy the next little bit and sing the team song one last time. But I’m genuinely really excited to watch this group moving forward,” she said, adding that she believes the team will achieve “great things” under new captain Sophie Molineux.Healy also thanked fans and praised the Indian team for competing through a hectic schedule. “When you’re representing your country and competing at the highest level, you’re sort of in this bubble. You just want to win games and compete, and you probably don’t realise what’s going on outside. To feel that love and support over the last week has been amazing,” she said.She added: “Thanks to the Indian team. It’s a hectic schedule in the women’s game. To come here after a busy WPL, fight hard in the T20 series and stay here for five weeks is a huge effort. All the very best for the World Cup in the middle of the year.”In the match, India were bowled out for 149, leaving Australia with a small target of 25 runs, which they chased in under five overs. Annabel Sutherland starred with a century and six wickets, earning both Player of the Match and Player of the Series. As celebrations ended in Perth, Healy shared emotional moments with teammates, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable career.

Syed Shahabuddin with Rachin Ravindra (Special Arrangements)

NEW DELHI: Do you still remember what happened to New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra in IPL 2024? Spin chewed his batting up and spat it out. And the situation became so severe that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were forced to drop him mid-way through the season. As they say, time is the best healer. And for Ravindra, it has surely become one. Spin, once Ravindra’s archnemesis, has inflicted the same pain on batters who have padded up to face the Kiwi during this T20 World Cup, with his fingers doing all the talking with the ball.

Emerging as his team’s top-wicket taker (11) in this edition, Ravindra is now seeing things differently. While his batting pedigree initially dominated the limelight, two more dismissals in the final against India will be enough to make him New Zealand’s joint highest wicket-taker in an edition of the tournament. A single dismissal will result in Ravindra surpassing Daniel Vettori as the Black Caps’ most successful spinner in a T20 World Cup campaign. If we broaden the scale a bit, the left-arm finger spinner has accounted for 11 dismissals in 8 matches at an economy rate of 6.88, trailing the edition’s most successful spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Adil Rashid by just two wickets.

‘Impact, role similar to Yuvraj Singh in WC 2011’

While Ravindra’s heroics may have caught the opposition and fans by surprise, Sriram Krishnamurthy, the global head coach of CSK academy, certainly isn’t one of them. Krishnamurthy, who has worked extensively with the 26-year-old cricketer, highlighted his bowling as one of the standout aspects from the beginning, terming it as something which came very naturally.

Syed Shahabuddin during a training session with Rachin Ravindra (Special Arrangements)

“Rachin is very good at reading the game. He’s not someone who bowls a lot during practice sessions. Yet, when he takes the ball, you know he’ll be able to do some special things. Rachin has excelled with the ball in the MLC and the Hundred, which makes his current performances no surprise. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has used him very well,” said Sriram during an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com.“Every spell of Rachin has left an impact. One of the most noteworthy aspects has been the manner in which he has struck against left-handed batters, being a lefty spinner in an unfavourable match-up, which especially stood out in the semi-final against South Africa with David Miller’s dismissal. I don’t think many people would disagree that his impact and role has been similar to that of Yuvraj Singh in the 2011 World Cup,” he added.Ravindra has provided an edge to the New Zealand bowling attack, with his shrewd gameplay and quality preparation, which first reflected in the opener against Afghanistan in Chennai. The 26-year-old all-rounder was handed the ball in the 18th over, which could have backfired massively. However, Rachin kept the ball well out of the batters’ reach from the onset, and was duly rewarded with the dismissal of dangerman Gulbadin Naib off his second delivery. The New Zealand cricketer has observed Ravindra Jadeja closely at CSK, resulting in valuable inputs.

‘Hard grind in Hyderabad before T20 WC 2026’

Another significant factor behind Rachin’s current success is an intense one-month camp in Hyderabad before the T20 World Cup, where the all-rounder worked extensively on hitting the right areas and variations. The New Zealand cricketer trained under ex-Andhra Pradesh captain Syed Shahabuddin, who urged him to bowl stump-to-stump and as per the field placements.“Ravindra can be lethal with assistance from the wicket, considering his consistency. I had encouraged the CSK team management to give him more opportunities with the ball but he hardly got one to two overs. Santner and the New Zealand think-tank is showing great belief in Ravindra’s bowling, which has proved to be a game-changer,” shared Shahabuddin.

Syed Shahabuddin with Rachin Ravindra (Special Arrangements)

While the fingerspinner has impressed with his high-impact gameplay, he once lacked agility and speed which hampered effectiveness. Former New Zealand coach Glenn Pocknall played a key role in enabling Ravindra to bowl at a quicker pace and deliver longer spells by developing his strength. The all-rounder showcased great dedication, training for six hours a day.“I first saw Rachin bowl at 15 and was deeply impressed by his unbelievable control and aura. It is very challenging to face him on flat wickets as well as turning tracks because he can spin the ball hard and into the wicket. Ex-New Zealand spinner Jeetan Patel has guided him extensively and I fully expect Rachin to pose a threat against India,” shared Pocknall.

‘Varun Chakaravarthy would’ve picked 15 wickets playing in Sri Lanka’

Chakaravarthy’s personal coach AC Prathiban praised Ravindra’s tactical astuteness, highlighting the lack of room for batters as well as the crafty use of angles to exploit the longer ends of the ground. However, Prathiban also directed focus towards New Zealand playing a lot of matches in Sri Lanka, where the advantage of bigger boundaries comes into play.

Syed Shahabuddin during a training session with Rachin Ravindra

“Jasprit Bumrah and Varun would have picked 15 wickets at least if the Indian team had bowled as much in those conditions. Mishits were going for sixes during the semi-final at the Wankhede. However, credit to Rachin for doing his homework,” stated Prathiban.Ravindra revealed a desire to make a batter’s life as hard as possible during an interaction after New Zealand secured a spot in the final, which the Indian juggernaut will be well wary of.

South Africa’s players (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

Players from South Africa and West Indies have questioned the travel arrangements after their exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, claiming some teams were given priority flights home. While England national cricket team left Mumbai on a charter flight to London on Saturday after their semifinal loss, the South Africa national cricket team and West Indies national cricket team are still waiting in India due to flight disruptions linked to tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

South Africa were knocked out after losing to New Zealand national cricket team in the first semifinal in Kolkata, while West Indies exited following a five-wicket defeat to India national cricket team at Eden Gardens. Both teams are expected to travel together on a charter flight from Kolkata, although the exact departure time is still unclear.South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock publicly criticised the situation on social media. He wrote, “Funny @icc, we have heard nothing! Meanwhile, England are leaving before us somehow? @westindies and @proteasmencsa are just in the dark! Strange how different teams have more pull than others.”His teammate David Miller echoed the frustration, commenting, “Funny that England gets eliminated after WI & SA and gets on a charter back home tonight. While WI & SA still wait for answers in Kolkata.”West Indies head coach Daren Sammy supported the criticism, replying, “@davidmillersa12 a lil louder for those in the back to hear please sir.”Former England captain Michael Vaughan also questioned the situation, writing, “So England got knocked out on Thurs, get a charter home today .. West Indies go out last Sunday and are still in Kolkata .. SA in the same position .. That’s where the power is all wrong ..”He added, “All teams in this situation should be treated the same .. just because you are more powerful at the ICC table shouldn’t count .. #JustSaying.”The South Africa and West Indies squads are expected to fly to Johannesburg first, with the Caribbean team then continuing to Antigua. Meanwhile, the tournament final between India and New Zealand is set to take place at Narendra Modi Stadium.

T20 World Cup 2026: MS Dhoni arrives in Ahmedabad ahead of India vs New Zealand final

Former India captain MS Dhoni arrived in Ahmedabad on Sunday ahead of the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where India will face New Zealand national cricket team at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The 44-year-old had earlier watched India’s semi-final win over England in Mumbai and is likely to attend the title clash as well.Dhoni was present at the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium along with his wife Sakshi and several celebrities, including Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Anil Kapoor.

Cricketers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma were also among those who watched India beat England in a thrilling contest.India, now led by Suryakumar Yadav, will be aiming to defend their title and create history by becoming the first host nation to win the T20 World Cup and the first team to claim three titles. Dhoni had famously led India to their first T20 World Cup triumph in 2007, when they defeated Pakistan national cricket team in the final.Watch Dhoni arriving in Ahmedabad:New Zealand, meanwhile, are chasing their maiden T20 World Cup title after finishing runners-up in 2021. Both teams come into the final after impressive semi-final wins. New Zealand hammered South Africa thanks to a stunning 33-ball century from Finn Allen, while India posted 253/7 against England and secured a narrow victory.Historically, the Black Caps have had the upper hand in T20 World Cup meetings against India, winning in 2007, 2016 and 2021. However, India head into the final in strong form after a recent 4-1 T20I series win over New Zealand at home.

Daren Sammy (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed frustration after the team’s return home from India was delayed following their exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The delay has been caused by international airspace restrictions in the Gulf region due to the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict, which has forced airlines to change several flight routes.

Sammy made his feelings clear on social media. In a short post on X, he wrote, “I just wanna go home.” Later, he also shared an emotional message on Instagram, saying, “Dear Lord. I put this situation in your hands and I pray that you bless everyone handling it. Give them all that is required to get us all safely to our destination sooner than later. These I ask in your precious name. Amen.”Cricket West Indies confirmed that the team’s travel plans had been postponed because of security concerns affecting flight routes in the Gulf region. In a statement, the board said, “These restrictions are a direct result of the security threats posed by military action in the Gulf Region, which has impacted several international flight routes and required airlines to adjust scheduled services for safety reasons.”The board also stressed that the safety of players, coaches, and staff remains the top priority and said it is working with the International Cricket Council, government authorities, and airlines to arrange the earliest safe journey home.The delay comes after West Indies were knocked out of the tournament in the Super Eights following a five-wicket defeat to India at Eden Gardens. Despite performing well in the group stage, the Caribbean side could not make the semi-finals.West Indies had posted 195/4 in their final match, but India chased the target comfortably, led by a brilliant unbeaten 97 from Sanju Samson.West Indies remain one of the most successful teams in T20 history, having won the T20 World Cup twice — in 2012 and 2016.