West Indies and South Africa Finalize Travel Plans After T20 World Cup Exit

Travel Arrangements Confirmed for West Indies and South Africa

Following their departures from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, both West Indies and South Africa have received confirmation regarding their return journey from India, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. The teams are scheduled to leave India on March 10.

Due to airspace restrictions in the Gulf region stemming from the ongoing conflict in Iran, both teams were unable to follow their initial travel schedules. Since their elimination last week, West Indies and South Africa have remained in Kolkata and are set to take a charter flight to Johannesburg in the early hours of Tuesday. The West Indies squad will then continue on to Antigua.

South Africa's T20 World Cup campaign concluded with a semifinal defeat against New Zealand on March 4, while the West Indies were eliminated after losing to India in a crucial Super 8s match on March 1.

Frustration Over Delayed Travel Plans

The changes to travel plans, prompted by airspace closures in West Asia due to the ongoing crisis, have led to frustration among both teams. West Indies coach Daren Sammy expressed his discontent on social media platform X, while several South African players, including Quinton de Kock and David Miller, also shared their frustrations online. Sammy's posts included remarks like, "I just wanna go home," and he urged for updates on their travel situation, noting that it had been five days since their last match on March 1.

CWI Ensures Safe Return for Players

Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced on Thursday that they have been in continuous communication with players, management, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the team's return following their defeat to India. They acknowledged that the international airspace restrictions in the Gulf region have complicated travel plans but assured that all necessary precautions are being taken to facilitate the team's safe return to the Caribbean.

"CWI has maintained ongoing dialogue with the players, team management, and the ICC since their last match against India. While the situation remains complex and fluid due to 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.