India captain bashes Cricket West Indies over travel delays

INDIA stand-in captain Hardik Pandya had some harsh words for Cricket West Indies (CWI), criticising the board’s travel arrangements. However, not only was the India team affected as West Indies players and commentators also had to endure a flight delay.

Pandya, who is filling in for captain Rohit Sharma, was speaking after the third One Day International between West Indies and India at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Tuesday.

India are in the Caribbean for two Test matches, three ODIs and five T20 Internationals.

According to reports, India had a long wait at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad after the second Test match on their way to Barbados for the first ODI.

The India and West Indies teams, along with commentators, were scheduled to leave Piarco at 11 pm on the same flight, but did not leave until 3 am.

After India sealed the ODI series 2-1 on Tuesday, Pandya said, “This (is) was one of the nicest grounds we have played. Things can be better when we come to the West Indies next time. From travelling to managing a lot of things. Last year also, some hiccups happened.

“I think it’s time for West Indies Cricket to take note of it and ensure that when a team travels…we don’t ask for luxury, but need some basic necessities taken care of. Other than that, I really enjoyed coming here and playing some good cricket.”

The plane that was scheduled to leave Piarco was a chartered flight arranged by Cricket West Indies. A source at CWI Newsday spoke with said the board did their part to arrange the charter, but the time the plane leaves is out of their hands.

Newsday contacted someone close to the India team and he said other than the delayed flight the team’s stay in the Caribbean has been comfortable.

The T20 series will bowl off at 10.30 am at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Thursday.