The travel nightmare for teams exiting the T20 World Cup 2026 refuses to end. Just when things seemed to be falling into place, the charter flight arranged to take the West Indies and South Africa out of India has now been cancelled, leaving both teams stranded in Kolkata once again.
The special flight, organised to transport the two squads to Johannesburg before the West Indies continued onwards to Antigua, was called off on Tuesday due to airspace clearance issues. According to India Today, the ongoing military conflict in West Asia continues to disrupt international flight routes, making travel plans extremely uncertain.
Both teams had already been waiting in Kolkata for several days after their tournament campaigns ended. West Indies were knocked out in the Super Eight stage after their defeat to India at Eden Gardens on March 1, while South Africa’s journey ended at the same venue three days later following their semifinal loss. In addition, the Sri Lanka vs. Afghanistan series that was supposed to take place in the United Arab Emirates has been cancelled.
Players to fly on their own?
At present, 12 West Indies players along with 10 members of their support staff remain in the city, while the South African contingent includes 12 players and two support staff members. With no confirmed charter flight now available, several players have reportedly started exploring individual travel options. However, even those plans depend heavily on whether airlines receive clearance to operate through affected airspace. As per reports, players are thinking of making their own arrangements. But this could pose serious questions on ICC’s calibre if players’ voyage find success.
The ICC and Cricket West Indies are currently working on alternative arrangements, though there is still no clarity on when the squads will finally leave India. England were able to leave earlier on a charter flight from Mumbai to London, but the delay faced by West Indies and South Africa sparked criticism from former England captain Michael Vaughan and South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, who questioned the disparity in departure timelines.
Latest Update: ICC finds a solution
After days of uncertainty in Kolkata, the West Indies and South Africa squads have finally been given a way out. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has now arranged separate commercial flights for players and support staff after the charter flight meant to take both teams out of India was cancelled.
According to PTI, the ICC stepped in on Tuesday to organise individual commercial airline bookings for the stranded members of both squads.
“All the West Indies and South African players have been booked on individual commercial airline flights. Obviously, all can’t be booked on same airlines but ICC has taken care of individual bookings. ICC chairman Jay Shah has personally spoken and assured players of a safe journey back home,” an ICC source privy to the development told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
The source also confirmed that West Indies head coach Darren Sammy had already departed earlier. “It must be mentioned that Darren Sammy is already on his way home having left on Monday night.“
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