Travel plans confirmed for stranded teams after World Cup exit
Travel clarity has finally emerged for South Africa and West Indies after days of uncertainty following their elimination from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Both teams are scheduled to depart India in the early hours of Tuesday on a charter flight from Kolkata to Johannesburg, with the West Indies squad continuing onward to Antigua, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo. The revised departure timeline comes after earlier plans for a Sunday exit failed to materialise amid complex flight disruptions linked to restricted airspace across parts of West Asia.
The logistical complications followed the teams’ respective exits from the tournament, with West Indies knocked out in the Super Eight stage after losing to India on March 1, while South Africa’s campaign ended with a semi-final defeat to New Zealand on March 4.
While confirmation of the charter flight has now provided some certainty, the situation had already triggered strong reactions from players and officials as delays extended their stay in Kolkata.
Players question travel arrangements after England departure
Frustration began surfacing publicly after England — eliminated later in the competition — were able to leave India earlier than both South Africa and West Indies.
South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock voiced his concerns in a post on Instagram, writing, “Funny @icc, we have heard nothing! Meanwhile, England are leaving before us somehow? @westindies and @proteasmencsa are just in the dark! Strange how different teams have more pull than others,” he posted on Instagram Story.
His teammate David Miller echoed similar sentiments while responding to a post on social media, stating, “Funny that England gets eliminated after WI & SA and gets on a charter back home tonight. While WI & SA still wait for answers in Kolkata,” he commented on Instagram.
West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy had earlier expressed frustration as the delay stretched on, posting “I just wanna go home,” on X before later adding, “At least an update, tell us something. Today tmw, next week. It’s been 5 days.”
I just wanna go home
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) March 5, 2026
At least an update, tell us something. Today tmw, next week. It’s been 5 days
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) March 5, 2026
Sammy later publicly backed Miller’s criticism of the situation, writing, “@davidmillersa12 a lil louder for those in the back to hear please sir.”
The issue also drew attention from former England Captain Michael Vaughan, who criticised the perceived imbalance in influence among cricket’s governing structures. “So England got knocked out on Thurs get a charter home today .. West Indies go out last Sunday and are still in Kolkata .. SA in the same position .. That’s where the power is all wrong .. All teams in this situation should be treated the same .. just because you are more powerful at the ICC table shouldn’t count .. #JustSaying,” Vaughan wrote on X.
So England got knocked out on Thurs get a charter home today .. West Indies go out last Sunday and are still in Kolkata .. SA in the same position .. That’s where the power is all wrong .. All teams in this situation should be treated the same .. just because you are more…
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 7, 2026
ICC rejects allegations of preferential treatment
In response to the criticism, the International Cricket Council strongly denied that any team had been given preferential treatment.
An ICC spokesperson explained that travel decisions were based entirely on logistical and safety considerations, stating, “Decisions on departure sequencing are being driven solely by airspace availability, aircraft routing permissions, visa requirements and operational safety considerations.”
The spokesperson added that claims of unequal treatment were unfounded. “Any suggestion that teams have been prioritised based on anything other than these constraints is incorrect.”
The global governing body also stressed that safety remained the overriding concern during the disruption. “The safety and well-being of players, support staff, officials, and our own workforce remain our absolute priority as we respond to the evolving situation affecting air travel across parts of the Middle East.”
Highlighting the broader logistical challenges, the ICC further noted, “The current disruption to multiple airspaces has created a highly complex and fast-moving logistical challenge.”
The organisation reiterated its position on the controversy, stating, “The ICC categorically refutes any claims of bias in this or other instances, and has been fully accommodating of specific demands and conditions put forth by teams.”
It added that extensive coordination was underway behind the scenes to facilitate departures. “The ICC’s logistics and events teams have been working continuously with governments, aviation authorities, airlines and charter providers to secure safe travel options for all participating teams and tournament personnel.”
The governing body also emphasised that communication with member boards had remained ongoing throughout the disruption. “Furthermore, they and the ICC Chief Executive have maintained regular dialogue with the members’ representative ICC directors, board Chairs and CEOs to assure all involved of their teams’ safety and the impact of the rapidly-changing situation.”
Logistical hurdles blamed on regional airspace disruption
Cricket West Indies also addressed the situation in a statement, explaining that the delays were linked to broader aviation restrictions affecting international routes. “CWI has remained in constant dialogue with the players, team management, and the International Cricket Council since their last match against India. While the situation remains complex and fluid due to international airspace restrictions arising from security concerns in the Gulf region, CWI assures the public that every precaution is being taken to ensure the safe return of the team to the Caribbean,” the organisation said in a statement.
The governing body further clarified the circumstances affecting travel plans. “Cricket West Indies wishes to advise that the departure of the West Indies senior men’s team from India, following their exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, has been delayed due to international airspace restrictions. These restrictions are a direct result of the security threats posed by military action in the Gulf Region, which has impacted several international flight routes and required airlines to adjust scheduled services for safety reasons. CWI appreciates the understanding and concern of our fans, families and stakeholders during this time.”
Meanwhile, a Cricket Association of Bengal official confirmed that the situation remained under the ICC’s control, telling PTI, “It is completely handled by ICC. We have no update on the West Indies team’s movement but as per the latest update they are still here and looking for a chartered flight.”
Sammy later acknowledged that an update had finally reached the West Indies camp, posting, “Got an update. That’s all WI wanted.”
Got an update.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 that’s all wi wanted
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) March 5, 2026
The travel disruption unfolded during the closing stages of the tournament, which concluded with India defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad after posting 255 for five and bowling New Zealand out for 159 in 19 overs to secure their third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title.
