The long wait is finally coming to an end for several teams stranded in India after the T20 World Cup 2026. England, South Africa and the West Indies are now set to leave the country on charter flights arranged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after travel disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Airspace restrictions across the Gulf region had earlier halted multiple international routes, leaving teams stuck in India even after their campaigns ended. With commercial options limited, the ICC stepped in to organise special charter flights so that players and support staff could return home safely.
England to depart from Mumbai after semifinal
England and India played out one of the most memorable matches of the T20 World Cup. As many as 499 runs were scored, thus becoming the T20 World Cup game with the highest aggregate total. Unfortunately for England, they fell short, with India booking their ticket to Ahmedabad for the final.
England will be the first of the three teams to leave. After their narrow semifinal defeat to India in Mumbai, Harry Brook’s side is scheduled to depart from the city on Saturday evening (today). The team will travel directly to London on a charter flight arranged for the squad. England’s exit came after a dramatic semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium, where Jacob Bethell’s stunning century nearly pulled off an improbable chase. However, India held their nerve to win by seven runs and secure a place in the final against New Zealand.
West Indies and South Africa to leave from Kolkata
The West Indies and South Africa, who have been stranded in Kolkata since their exit from the tournament, will travel together on another charter flight arranged by the ICC.
Both teams are expected to leave on Sunday, although final confirmation on departure timings is still awaited. The flight will first head to Johannesburg before the West Indies squad continues onwards to Antigua.
The delay had left the Caribbean side waiting in Kolkata for nearly a week. Head coach Daren Sammy had even taken to social media earlier multiple times, posting “Day 6” to mention how long the team had been stuck following their Super Eight defeat to India. As for South Africa, not all players will be heading home.
Some members of the squad, including team management along with Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith and George Linde, are scheduled to travel onward to New Zealand for a limited-overs series beginning on March 15.
