KKR players stranded in Varanasi overnight due to flight diversions caused by unfavorable weather

Kolkata Knight Riders` players celebrate after their team`s win against Lucknow Super Giants (Pic: AFP)

KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) faced a challenging ordeal when their flight from Lucknow to Kolkata encountered multiple diversions due to adverse weather conditions, ultimately leading to an unexpected overnight stay in Varanasi.

After securing a commanding 98-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2024 on Sunday, the Shreyas Iyer-led squad embarked on their journey back to Kolkata on Monday evening at 5:45 pm, aiming to reach their destination by 7:25 pm as scheduled. However, unfavorable weather conditions compelled the charter flight to first divert to Guwahati and subsequently to Varanasi, thwarting their plans to land in Kolkata.

The KKR media team provided an update at 8.46pm, saying, "Due to inclement weather over Kolkata, the KKR charter flight has been diverted to Guwahati. We've just landed here." Then another update at 9.43pm said, "We've got clearance to fly back to Kolkata now, from Guwahati. Estimated arrival: 11pm."

"Flight took off from Guwahati to Kolkata, was scheduled to land at 11 PM. Couldn't land once again due to bad weather, despite several attempts. Diverted mid-air to Varanasi now. Just landed here," said a fresh update.

"The team would be checking into Varanasi hotel for overnight stay. Return flight to Kolkata TBD on Tuesday (7 May) afternoon," the KKR media team said in the final update at 3:00 am.

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The KKR contingent spent the night in Varanasi and is scheduled to resume their journey to Kolkata this afternoon, as confirmed by the final update from the KKR media team at 3:00 am.

Fortunately, KKR's upcoming IPL 2024 fixtures provide some respite from their travel woes, with their next game against Mumbai Indians at Edens Garden slated for May 11. Following this, the two-time former champions will face Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on May 13 and Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on May 19 for their final two league matches.

(With agency inputs)