T20 World Cup winners India stranded in Barbados after hurricane warning

Indian players are stranded in Barbados after a hurricane warning has deterred their plans of returning home. The T20 World Cup-winning side will have to wait slightly longer before they can celebrate their triumph with the fans in India.

Hurricane Beryl (Category 4) is expected to pass by Barbados on Sunday night local time with the centre of the storm approximately 80 miles off the south coast. The Men in Blue are currently staying at the Hilton Hotel. They were initially planning a charter flight back to India but the airport has been closed since Sunday evening. Meanwhile, runners-up South Africa had left earlier on Sunday.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah said that the board is planning a felicitation for the victorious team after they reach India.

"Like you, we are also stuck here. After the travel plans are clear, we will think about the felicitation," Shah told reporters in Barbados.

Shah has also announced a whopping INR 125 crore mega cash prize for the Indian team after they beat South Africa by seven runs on June 29 for a record-equalling second T20 World Cup triumph.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announces mega cash prize of INR 125 crore

VVS Laxman is going to Zimbabwe but a new coach will join from the Sri Lanka series: Jay Shah

After the T20 World Cup triumph, India are set to embark on a trip to Zimbabwe to play a five-match T20I series, starting with the first game on July 6. The talented Shubman Gill is set to lead a fairly inexperienced side against the African nation. Shah stated that while VVS Laxman will be coaching the team in Zimbabwe, India's new full-time coach will take charge from the subsequent Sri Lanka series.

"Both coach and selector appointments will be made shortly. CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names and after reaching Mumbai whatever they have decided we will go by that. VVS Laxman is going to Zimbabwe but a new coach will join from the Sri Lanka series," Shah, who is in the Caribbean with the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup 2024, said.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: India’s 'perfect' move to slow down clash against South Africa catches Ravi Shastri’s attention

After leading India to a first ICC title in 11 years, Rahul Dravid stepped down as the head coach of the Asian giants. As per reports, Gautam Gambhir is leading the race to become India's new head coach ahead of the Sri Lanka series. Former Indian women's head coach WV Raman is also in contention for the prestigious position. The Indian team is due to tour Sri Lanka for three T20Is and three ODIs, starting July 27.