Home / Sports / Cricket Stars Stranded: Travel Chaos Ends After World Cup
Cricket Stars Stranded: Travel Chaos Ends After World Cup
13 Mar
Summary
- South Africa and West Indies players finally left India after delays.
- Conflict in West Asia closed Gulf airspace, disrupting travel routes.
- ICC confirmed safe travel arrangements were the primary objective.
The travel disruptions that followed the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 have concluded, with the final groups of South Africa and West Indies players departing India. These teams had been stranded in Kolkata after the closure of Gulf airspace, a consequence of the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Major transit hubs like Dubai became inaccessible, preventing their departure after their final matches on March 1 and March 4 respectively.
The International Cricket Council confirmed on Thursday the successful completion of a complex operation involving extensive coordination with various authorities. South Africa's remaining 29 members and the West Indies' final 16 members have now begun their journeys home. This resolution prioritized ensuring safe travel arrangements for all personnel amidst exceptionally challenging global travel conditions.
Earlier in the week, nine West Indies players had already departed. The remaining 16 Caribbean contingent members were accommodated on commercial flights, while the 29 South African players also secured their departures. The ICC acknowledged the evolving geopolitical situation necessitated constant adjustments to travel plans and routes.
