ICC Addresses Travel Concerns for Cricket Teams Following Middle East Conflict
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has responded to concerns regarding travel arrangements for cricket teams departing India following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup, amid ongoing disruptions to air travel caused by the conflict in West Asia. England, South Africa, and the West Indies were among the teams affected, with the West Indies facing particular challenges in securing return flights.
Travel Disruptions and ICC Response
England’s team departed from Mumbai on Saturday evening, March 7, for London. South Africa and the West Indies were initially scheduled to fly together from Kolkata, with a potential stop in Johannesburg for South Africa before continuing to Antigua. However, both teams experienced delays due to airspace restrictions stemming from the Middle East conflict Republic World.
The ICC refuted allegations of bias in prioritizing travel arrangements, stating that decisions were based on safety, feasibility, and the welfare of the teams. “The ICC rejects any suggestion that these decisions have been driven by anything other than safety, feasibility and welfare,” the ICC stated Hindustan Times.
West Indies Seek Alternative Travel
The West Indies cricket team faced significant uncertainty with ICC-organized charter flights. Cricket West Indies (CWI) advised the ICC that continuing to wait for the charter arrangements was no longer prudent, citing the wellbeing and safety of players and staff Hindustan Times.
CWI subsequently made independent arrangements through commercial flights, coordinating with the ICC to facilitate the squad’s safe return. As of Wednesday, March 11, nine members of the West Indies contingent had departed for the Caribbean, with the remaining 16 booked on flights departing India within the next 12 hours Hindustan Times.
South Africa Departures
South Africa also experienced delays, but as of Wednesday, March 11, four players and five family members had boarded flights home. The remaining 29 members of the South African contingent were scheduled to depart within the next 24 hours Hindustan Times. Some South African players, led by Keshav Maharaj, are heading to New Zealand for a limited-overs tour starting March 15 Republic World.
Recent West Indies Performance
The West Indies were eliminated from the T20 World Cup in the Super Eights after a five-wicket defeat to India on March 1 Republic World. Prior to the tournament, the West Indies began their build-up with a series against Afghanistan on January 12, 2026 ICC.