Tight deadlines and logistical difficulties have already been present in the current T20 World Cup 2024. The whole South African squad as well as the match official of the championship game in Barbados found themselves in a difficult situation just before the tournament came to an end due to another operational problem.

The South African players, their families, commentators, and match officials were forced to remain stuck at the Trinidad Airport due to an unwelcome occurrence that occurred at the Barbados airport, according to ESPN Cricinfo.

It was discovered that the Grantley Adams airport in Barbados was completely closed for inspections by the Barbados Police Service and the Civil Aviation Authority due to a tiny private aircraft’s unsuccessful landing attempt.

The pilot of the aircraft learned of the runway closure in Bridgetown just as the Proteas were about to take off.

The three people on board—two passengers and a pilot—were unharmed, according to a statement from Sharleen Brown, Corporate Communication Specialist with GAIA, which stated, “It appeared that the landing gear of the private aircraft did not deploy, but it is currently on the runway at GAIA [Grantley Adams International Airport] safely.”

Travel to Barbados Postponed

The flight from Trinidad to Barbados was rescheduled, resulting in a delay of over six hours, which was communicated to the passengers.

A squad competing in the T20 World Cup 2024 experienced something similar before. Previously, Sri Lanka’s flight from Florida to New York required them to spend a whole night at the airport.

Afghanistan’s trip to Trinidad for the first semifinal matchup versus South Africa was recently delayed.

Afghanistan Was Beaten by South Africa in the Semis

With a brilliant burst of speed bowling, South Africa banished their agonizing semifinal curse and defeated an emotionally spent Afghanistan by nine wickets to advance to their first-ever T20 World Cup final.

The Afghans will walk home with their heads held high following an inspiring run in the competition, but they will play the winners of the second semifinal between India and England for the championship.