Quinton de Kock Criticizes ICC Over England's Early Departure from India
De Kock's Outrage Over ICC's Decisions
In a recent social media post, South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock expressed his frustration towards the International Cricket Council (ICC) as England prepares to return home from India, leaving South Africa and the West Indies behind. De Kock found it amusing that England is departing before his team, while both South Africa and the West Indies remain in Kolkata.
He shared his thoughts on Instagram Stories, stating, "Funny @icc, we have heard nothing! Meanwhile, England are leaving before us somehow? @westindies and @proteasmencsa are just in the dark! Strange how different teams have more pull than others."
Due to the ongoing military conflict in West Asia affecting air travel, the ICC has arranged charter flights for the England, South Africa, and West Indies teams to leave India this weekend.
England's squad is scheduled 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 South Africa and the West Indies are still waiting for confirmation regarding their departure times, but it is expected to be on Sunday.
After their exits from the T20 World Cup, South Africa and the West Indies are currently stranded in Kolkata. South Africa was defeated by New Zealand in the semi-finals on March 4, while the West Indies lost to India in the Super Eights on March 1.
In contrast, England, who lost to India in the second semi-final on Thursday, are returning home just two days later.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan also voiced his concerns about England's swift exit, arguing that all teams in similar situations should receive equal treatment.
He tweeted, "So England got knocked out on Thurs get a charter home today. West Indies go out last Sunday and are still in Kolkata. SA is in the same position. That’s where the power is all wrong. All teams in this situation should be treated the same. Just because you are more powerful at the ICC table shouldn’t count. #JustSaying."
So England got knocked out on Thurs get a charter home today .. West Indies go out last Sunday and are still in Kolkata .. SA in the same position .. That’s where the power is all wrong .. All teams in this situation should be treated the same .. just because you are more…
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 7, 2026
Earlier, West Indies coach Daren Sammy expressed his eagerness to return home, highlighting the delays caused by international airspace restrictions due to security issues in the Gulf Region stemming from the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. In a brief post on X, he simply stated, "I just wanna go home" on Thursday.
As the tournament nears its conclusion, India is set to defend their title against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday in Ahmedabad, marking the end of the tournament that commenced on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.