India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad members were stuck in Bridgetown, Barbados, till late on Monday after Hurricane Beryl lashed the island with incessant rain and wind speed up to 210kmph.

The airport was closed for air traffic and it was not immediately known when regular operations would begin.

The contingent was supposed to fly to New York and then take an Emirates flight to New Delhi via Dubai, but now plans are on to fly them back via a chartered aircraft.

The Board brass, including president Roger Binny, secretary Jay Shah and IPL chair Arun Dhumal, are also there and overseeing arrangements. The entire contingent was staying at the Hilton Barbados Resort.

“Hurricane Beryl strengthened again Monday morning into a Category 4 storm,” CNN reported.

The entire entourage, including support staff, players’ families and officials, comprise around 70 members and sources say that such an aircraft was not immediately available in the West Indies. Efforts are therefore on to procure one from the US but that can only happen once the cyclone subsides and authorities issue the all-clear.

Normal activities in Bridgetown have been thrown out of gear since several places are without power. Food is also not easily available.

The Board is planning a felicitation for the victorious team at home. “Like you, we are also stuck here. After the travel plans are clear, we will think about the felicitation,” Shah told reporters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also likely to meet the players on arrival.