De Kock Criticizes ICC for Favoritism Amid Team Departures
De Kock Critiques ICC's Favoritism
Quinton de Kock, the wicketkeeper-batter from South Africa, has voiced his frustration towards the International Cricket Council (ICC) as England prepares to return home from India, leaving both South Africa and the West Indies behind. He expressed his thoughts on social media, highlighting the irony of England's early departure while his team remains in Kolkata.
"It's amusing, @icc, that we haven't received any updates! Meanwhile, England is heading home before us, while @westindies and @proteasmencsa are left in the dark! It's odd how some teams seem to have more influence than others," de Kock posted on his Instagram Stories.
Due to the ongoing military tensions in West Asia affecting air travel, the cricket teams from England, South Africa, and the West Indies are scheduled to leave India this weekend on ICC-arranged charter flights. England's squad is set to fly from Mumbai to London on Saturday evening, while South Africa and the West Indies will depart from Kolkata, likely making a stop in Johannesburg before heading to Antigua. Both teams are still waiting for confirmation regarding their exact departure times, but it is anticipated to be on Sunday.
Teams Awaiting Departure After T20 World Cup Exits
Following their exits from the T20 World Cup, South Africa and the West Indies find themselves stranded in Kolkata. South Africa was defeated by New Zealand in the semi-finals on March 4, while the West Indies were eliminated after losing to India by five wickets in the Super Eights on March 1. In contrast, England faced a loss in the second semi-final against India on Thursday but is returning home just two days later.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan also expressed his concerns regarding England's swift exit from India, arguing that all teams in similar situations should receive equal treatment. He stated, "England got knocked out on Thursday and is getting a charter home today. West Indies were eliminated last Sunday and are still in Kolkata, with South Africa in the same predicament. This disparity in treatment is unjust. Just because some teams hold more power at the ICC shouldn't matter. #JustSaying," Vaughan remarked in a post on X.
Sammy Voices Desire to Return Home
West Indies coach Daren Sammy has also expressed his eagerness to return home, citing delays caused by international airspace restrictions due to security issues stemming from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. In a brief post on X, the two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain simply stated, "I just wanna go home" on Thursday.
The T20 World Cup final is set to take place on Sunday in Ahmedabad, where India will defend their title against New Zealand, concluding the tournament that commenced on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.