Kolkata/New Delhi, March 10, 2026: The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final (India vs. New Zealand on March 8, in Ahmedabad) has concluded, and India won the trophy by 96 runs. However, players and support staff from the West Indies (WI) and South Africa (SA) teams remain stranded in India after the tournament. This problem is primarily due to airspace closures and flight disruptions caused by the ongoing military tensions in the Middle East (West Asia) (conflict between the USA, Israel, and Iran).
What happened and how long have they been stranded?
West Indies: The team was eliminated from the Super 8s after losing to India (March 1, Eden Gardens, Kolkata). They have been stuck in Kolkata since then – that's almost 10 days. Players and staff: 12+ players and 10+ support members in total.
South Africa: Eliminated in the semi-finals after losing to New Zealand (around March 4). They too are stranded in Kolkata – for about 6-7 days. Some players (Keshav Maharaj, George Linde, Jason Smith) have already left for New Zealand (for a bilateral series, starting March 15).
The ICC had arranged a charter flight for both teams – WI and SA – from Kolkata to Johannesburg (WI will then travel to Antigua). However, this flight was cancelled today (March 10) morning/day due to lack of airspace clearance. Further updates are awaited.
Players and coach express anger
SA wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock wrote on social media:
"Funny @icc, we have heard nothing! Meanwhile, England are leaving before us somehow? @westindies and @proteasmencsa are just in the dark! Strange how different teams have more pull than others."
- SA's David Miller also expressed his support.
- WI coach Darren Sammy also expressed frustration.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan lashed out at the ICC:
"England got knocked out on Thursday, get a charter home today.. West Indies go out last Sunday and are still in Kolkata.. SA in the same position.. That’s where the power is all wrong.. All teams in this situation should be treated the same.. just because you are more powerful at the ICC table shouldn’t count."
Vaughan posted several times, saying that England (on March 5-6 after losing the semi-final) got a charter early and returned home, while WI and SA have been waiting a long time. He called it a case of "bias" and "power dynamics."
What did the ICC and BCCI say?
The ICC clarified that there is no bias – travel plans are fluid and all teams are receiving equal treatment, but global airspace issues (Middle East conflict) are causing delays.
England received an earlier departure because their route/timing was different (direct from Mumbai to London).
CWI (Cricket West Indies) issued a statement saying they are making every effort to ensure a safe return.
Impact and what's next?
Players are staying in hotels, but frustration is high – comments like "I just want to go home" are pouring in.
Some reports suggest that WI coach Darren Sammy may leave for the Singapore route tonight, with the rest of the team attempting the route tomorrow (March 11th?).
This incident raises questions about the ICC's organisation and travel planning, especially when the tournament was held in India-Sri Lanka and the host nation (India) was celebrating first.
