Travel Update of WI & SA: After enduring several days of uncertainty and frustration due to geopolitical tensions disrupting global air travel, the West Indies and South Africa cricket squads are finally scheduled to leave India early Tuesday morning. The teams have been effectively stranded in Kolkata since their elimination from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, unable to secure commercial flights amid major airspace restrictions in the Middle East.
The delays stem from escalating military conflicts in the region, particularly involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which prompted widespread closures and rerouting of key flight paths over the Gulf. These restrictions severely impacted long-haul routes typically used by carriers connecting India to southern Africa and the Caribbean, leaving teams reliant on alternative arrangements.
To address the impasse, the International Cricket Council (ICC) stepped in to organize special charter flights for the affected squads and support staff. This intervention has now paved the way for their departure.
Travel Plans Of WI & SA
- West Indies and South Africa: Both teams will depart from Kolkata early Tuesday on a joint charter flight. The first stop is Johannesburg, South Africa. From there, the South African players will disperse—most heading home for domestic commitments or rest—while the West Indies contingent will continue onward to Antigua.
- South Africa Players Bound for New Zealand: A separate group of Proteas players, including Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith, and George Linde, is slated to travel to New Zealand for an upcoming limited-overs series starting March 15. This contingent is expected to depart on Sunday to allow sufficient time for tour preparations.
For comparison, England—eliminated later in the tournament after their semi-final loss—departed Mumbai for London on Saturday via a direct ICC-arranged charter flight.
Travel Update of WI & SA
| Team | Departure Status | From City | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | Already departed | Mumbai | London |
| West Indies | Leaving Tuesday | Kolkata | Johannesburg → Antigua |
| South Africa | Leaving Tuesday | Kolkata | Johannesburg |
| SA NZ Group | Leaving Sunday | Kolkata | New Zealand |
Looking Ahead
With these charter arrangements in place, the long wait for the West Indies and South Africa teams appears to be ending. Many players from both squads are expected to return to India in the coming weeks for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, which organizers have confirmed will proceed as planned despite the recent travel challenges.
This episode underscores the broader impact of global events on international sports, highlighting the need for contingency planning in major tournaments. Safe travels to all players and staff as they head home.
