Cricket Teams Face Travel Challenges Amid Ongoing Conflict: ICC Steps In

In light of the ongoing international conflict affecting air travel, the ICC has arranged charter flights for England, South Africa, and West Indies to leave India. England is set to depart for London, while South Africa and West Indies will travel together to Johannesburg before heading to Antigua. The situation has caused delays, prompting frustration from West Indies head coach Daren Sammy. The CWI assures that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safe return of the teams. Read on for more details about their travel plans and the challenges they faced.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 7, 2026, 15:55 IST

Travel Plans for Cricket Teams Amid Conflict

New Delhi: Due to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, England, South Africa, and West Indies are preparing to leave India this weekend on chartered flights organized by the ICC, as commercial air travel has been disrupted.

Sources indicate that England, who lost to India in the second semifinal on Thursday, is scheduled to depart from Mumbai on Saturday evening, heading directly to London.

Despite their campaigns concluding, West Indies and South Africa remain in India.

The West Indies were eliminated from the T20 World Cup after a five-wicket loss to India at Eden Gardens on Sunday, while South Africa's journey ended with a defeat to New Zealand in the first semifinal on Wednesday.

Both teams will travel together from Kolkata on a charter flight, likely making a stop in Johannesburg before the West Indies continue to Antigua.

Although the exact departure time is still pending confirmation, the flight is anticipated to leave on Sunday.

A portion of the South African delegation, including team management and players Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith, and George Linde, will head to New Zealand on Sunday for a limited-overs tour starting March 15.

Cricket West Indies announced on Thursday that they were arranging a charter flight for the team, who had been stranded in the city for over four days due to airspace restrictions in the Gulf region.

"During a high-level call today involving CWI, ICC officials, and team representatives, it was confirmed that a charter flight is being organized for the team's departure from India, expected within the next 24 hours," CWI stated.

"The departure time is subject to final air traffic approvals. The team is safe and well as arrangements are finalized," the governing body added.

CWI has maintained constant communication with players, team management, and the ICC while coordinating travel plans.

"Given the complex and fluid situation due to international airspace restrictions stemming from security concerns in the Gulf region, CWI assures the public that every measure is being taken to ensure the team's safe return to the Caribbean," the board stated.

This announcement followed West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressing his frustration over the delays on social media, stating he "just wants to go home."

After the arrangements were made, he shared an update, saying, "Got an update. That’s all WI wanted."