The T20 World Cup 2026 concluded with India beating New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8. The ongoing war situation in the Middle East has restricted global airspace, leaving teams like the West Indies and South Africa completely stranded in India.
England managed to fly back after their defeat in the semi-final. The West Indies played their final game on March 1, and South Africa lost their semi-final on March 4. It has sparked massive outrage, with players and experts accusing the International Cricket Council (ICC) of bias and preferential treatment.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed frustration over the delayed travel arrangements. Taking to social media, the legendary cricketer demanded answers from the cricket board regarding the confusing situation.
"I just wanna go home. At least an update, tell us something," Sammy posted on X.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan slammed the international board for its poor handling of the complicated travel situation. The veteran commentator accused the governing body of giving special treatment to powerful cricket boards instead of treating every stranded team equally.
"All teams in this situation should be treated the same. Just because you are more powerful at the ICC table shouldn't count," Vaughan said.
ICC Responds To Travel Controversy After Global Backlash
Following severe backlash from the global cricket community, an official ICC spokesperson addressed the travel controversy. According to a report by BBC, the international governing body stated that the delayed departure schedules were strictly based on operational safety and logistical constraints.
"Decisions on departure sequencing are being driven solely by airspace availability, aircraft routing permissions, visa requirements and operational safety considerations."
"Any suggestion that teams have been prioritised based on anything other than these constraints is incorrect," BBC quoted an ICC spokesperson.
The West Indies, England, and South Africa were scheduled to leave India through the Gulf region. England managed to depart on Saturday via Egypt, while the West Indies and South Africa remained stranded in India due to restrictions.
ICC Explains Why The England Team Left Early
The board clarified the reason behind the quick departure of the English squad. According to the official statement, their specific flight path from Mumbai was completely clear of the dangerous conflict zones. Meanwhile, the stranded West Indies and South African teams will travel together on Monday.
"For instance, the England team and their staff were able to fly out from Mumbai without restriction due to the route's airspace being unaffected and flights operating as usual."
"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."
"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."
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