Following the conclusion of the thrilling two-match Test series against West Indies, Team India encountered unexpected delays at the Trinidad airport, leaving them exhausted and concerned about their travel arrangements. The ordeal has become a concern for the team management, leading them to request revised flight schedules for future tours. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has acknowledged the players’ need for rest and has agreed to adjust the following schedule.
Team India, scheduled to depart for Barbados, the venue for the first two ODIs against West Indies, faced significant delays at the Trinidad airport. Initially planned for 11 PM, the flight was delayed, leaving the players waiting for an extended period before takeoff. Consequently, they reached their destination at the ungodly hour of 5 AM, resulting in fatigue and limited time for rest and recovery.
The players had little time to recuperate between the Test and ODI squads, as some white-ball specialists like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya had arrived earlier. Faced with the exhaustion caused by the airport delays, some players requested a day off to recover and recharge before the upcoming matches. The team management, recognizing the importance of player well-being, appealed to the BCCI for revised travel schedules.
An inside source within the BCCI confirmed that the team management had requested a change in the travel plans to allow players adequate rest post-game. The BCCI, in response, agreed to the request and plans to revise the schedule accordingly. This step is seen as a positive move towards prioritizing the health and performance of the players during tours.
An inside source said, “They had left the hotel by 8:40 pm for the airport and had to wait a long time there. So, the team management has requested us to book a morning flight instead of late-night flights as players want some rest post-game. The BCCI has agreed to it and will revise the next schedule accordingly.”
Despite the challenges faced during their travels, Team India is set to continue their tour of the West Indies with the first ODI in Barbados. They will return to Trinidad for the second ODI on July 29, followed by the series finale at the Queen’s Park Oval. The all-format tour will culminate with a five-match T20I series against the West Indies.
