The International Cricket Council (ICC) then addressed the claims of preferential treatment after the trip was interrupted ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 causing controversy among several participating teams. Although some parties may come out India shortly after their elimination, others were stranded due to ongoing airspace restrictions related to rising tensions in parts of the Middle East.
The tournament ended with India’s defeat on Sunday New Zealand In a dominant final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, however, logistical problems overshadowed the closing chapter of the global event. Teams including West Indies and South Africa were forced to stay in India for several days due to restricted flight routes and security concerns affecting international travel.
West Indies and South Africa face a long wait
Both West Indies and South Africa experienced significant delays in leaving India after their campaigns ended. The Caribbean side played their final match of the tournament on March 1, but the squad stayed in the country for more than a week due to difficulties with flight availability and safe travel corridors.
South Africa faced similar problems. The Proteas were beaten by New Zealand in the semi-finals on 4 March, but were unable to break away immediately afterwards. As several conventional flight routes were unavailable, the team remained in Kolkata to clarify their travel plans.
England, meanwhile, managed to return home shortly after losing their semi-final against India on March 5, prompting a quick debate among fans and former players about whether certain teams were favoured.
Michael Vaughan and players question ICC governance
Former England captain Michael Vaughan He was among the harshest critics of the situation, questioning whether the global governing body was treating the teams equally.
Vaughan took to social media to express his concern, saying all teams should be handled equally regardless of their influence in the ICC structure. His comments fueled the growing conversation around fairness in logistical arrangements after the tournament.
South African players David Miller and Quinton de Kock also raised questions about the travel situation. Both cricketers were clearly concerned that England had secured a charter flight immediately after the cancellation, while the South African contingent was still awaiting clarity on their departure.
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy Adding to the criticism, he revealed that his team had been waiting for almost a week without a clear plan for the trip home.
Also READ: David Miller questions ICC after taking early charter flight after England T20 World Cup 2026 exit
ICC reacts to travel bias allegations
In response to the growing backlash, the ICC strongly rejected allegations of special treatment for any team. According to an ICC spokesperson, flight schedules are determined purely by operational and security considerations, including airspace access, flight route clearances, visa logistics and aircraft availability.
The governing body explained that England’s departure route from Mumbai has remained open, allowing the team to travel freely via North Africa and Egypt. However, traditional travel routes used by teams such as the West Indies and South Africa are usually based on major Gulf hubs such as Dubai and Doha, which are affected by ongoing regional tensions and missile warnings.
The ICC emphasized that ensuring the safety of players, support staff, officials and tournament staff remains the highest priority while managing the evolving situation affecting global aviation.
“Flight sequence decisions are made solely on the basis of airspace availability, aircraft route clearances, visa requirements and operational security considerations. Any suggestion that teams are prioritized based on anything other than these constraints is incorrect,” The spokesman said with reference to the BBC.
“The safety and well-being of players, support staff, officials and our own workforce remains our absolute priority as we respond to the evolving situation affecting air travel between parts of the Middle East. For example, the England team and their staff were able to fly from Mumbai without restriction as the route’s airspace was not affected and flights were operating as usual. The ICC denies any of these allegations. It has responded to the examples and fully responded to the special requests and conditions put forward by the teams. the spokesperson added.
Despite the delays, travel arrangements are currently being finalized for the affected staff. The South African contingent is scheduled to depart in staggered flights, with all members expected to leave India within the next 36 hours. Similarly, members of the West Indies squad started returning home in droves. Nine people have already left and the remaining members are expected to leave in the next 24 hours.
