The T20 World Cup-winning cricket team from India is finally able to return home on Tuesday after being stranded in Barbados for several days due to Hurricane Beryl. The team secured a seven-run victory over South Africa on Saturday to claim the trophy, but has been unable to leave Barbados as the island’s international airport suspended operations when the storm intensified, becoming a Category 5 hurricane.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley stated that the airport would be opening within the next six to 12 hours, allowing those stranded to depart. The airport issued a statement on Monday confirming that operations would resume on Tuesday. India’s Board of Control for Cricket has not yet commented on the situation.
Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Grenada’s Carriacou Island, causing significant damage and one death. Several areas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines were left without basic utilities, and in Barbados, many homes were damaged or lost their roofs. The hurricane is currently sustaining winds of 165 miles per hour and is expected to hit Jamaica on Wednesday.
India’s T20 World Cup victory brought about emotional celebrations after a tough year for the players. They had previously lost to Australia in the finals of both the ODI Cricket World Cup and World Test Championship.