Indian Cricket Team’s T20 Victory Celebration in Barbados Threatened by Approaching Hurricane
Barbados, July 1, 2024 (IANS): The jubilant celebration of India’s T20 World Cup victory in Barbados has been overshadowed by the imminent threat of Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 hurricane rapidly approaching the island. The Indian cricket team, led by Captain Rohit Sharma, finds themselves stranded at the Hilton Hotel in Bridgetown as the hurricane bears down with maximum sustained winds of up to 210 kmph.
Originally scheduled to depart on Monday morning local time, the team’s return journey has been indefinitely delayed due to the closure of Bridgetown’s airport in anticipation of the hurricane’s impact, expected to hit early Monday morning. The team’s planned route via New York and Dubai now seems uncertain, prompting discussions of chartering a direct flight back to India to ensure their safe return.
“The team was supposed to leave from here (Bridgetown) to New York and then reach India via Dubai. But now the plan is to get a charter flight straight from here to Delhi,” revealed a source close to the team.
Indian Cricket Team’s T20 Victory Celebration in Barbados Threatened by Approaching Hurricane
With the Hilton Hotel situated perilously close to the coast, concerns are heightened about the safety of the team and the logistical challenges posed by the hurricane’s approach. The delegation, consisting of players, coaching staff, family members, and officials, totals approximately 70 individuals, all now bracing for potentially severe weather conditions.
India’s victory over South Africa, ending an 11-year drought for an ICC championship, had sparked widespread celebrations among fans and supporters worldwide. Virat Kohli’s stellar performance with a 59-ball 76 led India to a hard-fought victory, securing their second T20 World Cup title.
Efforts are underway to coordinate with local authorities and aviation services to manage the situation effectively amidst the approaching natural disaster. The possibility of arranging a direct charter flight is being actively explored to ensure the team’s safe return to India, avoiding further delays and uncertainties caused by Hurricane Beryl.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly being briefed on the situation, underscoring the seriousness with which the Indian government is approaching the logistical challenges posed by the natural disaster.
As Barbados prepares for Hurricane Beryl’s impact, the Indian cricket team remains steadfast in their hopes of returning home safely, their triumph on the cricket field now overshadowed by the uncertain conditions they face off it.