The International Cricket Council (ICC) has finally broken its silence on the logistical nightmare that left several international teams, including the Proteas, “trapped” in India following the conclusion of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
While the tournament ended on the pitch days ago, a major geopolitical crisis in the Gulf region—resulting in airspace closures and missile warnings—forced a complete halt to travel plans for players, staff, and their families.
Airspace Chaos: Why the Delay?
The ICC confirmed that the delay was a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has made standard flight paths between Asia and Africa/The Caribbean unsafe.
- Rerouting & Cancellations: Airlines and charter operators were forced to cancel departures at short notice due to volatile airspace.
- Safety First: The ICC emphasized that with many players traveling with spouses and young children, teams would only be moved once 100% safe travel corridors were secured.
- Dismissing Rumors: The governing body firmly rejected claims that certain teams, like England, were given “priority treatment.” They clarified that different destinations required different routing, leading to staggered departure times.
The Proteas’ Long Journey Home
South Africa played their final match of the tournament on Wednesday, 4 March. Since then, the squad has been waiting in India for a viable flight window.
- The 24-Hour Window: The ICC has now confirmed that the South African contingent has begun its departure, with all players and staff expected to be in the air within the next 24 hours.
- West Indies Update: Similarly, the West Indies squad is currently in transit, with the final 16 members of their group scheduled to depart India by tomorrow morning.
Tournament Exit Timeline
| Team | Last Match Played | Status |
| West Indies | Sunday, 1 March | Currently in transit |
| South Africa | Wednesday, 4 March | Departing within 24 hours |
| England | Pre-Crisis Window | Already home |
“The delay is the direct result of the ongoing crisis across the Gulf region… safety, feasibility, and the welfare of players and their families remain our top priorities.” — ICC Official Statement
