England, South Africa and the West Indies are due to depart India on ICC-organized charter flights at the weekend following the suspension of commercial air travel due to the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.
A source told PTI England that descended into India in the second semi-final on Thursday, is expected to leave Mumbai on Saturday evening on a direct flight to London.
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West Indies and South Africa are the other two teams still in the country despite their campaigns being over.
While the Windies crashed out of the T20 World Cup after being beaten by India by five wickets at the Eden Gardens on Sunday, South Africa’s campaign ended after their defeat by New Zealand in the first semi-final here on Wednesday.
South Africa and West Indies will travel together from Calcutta on the next charter flight.
Both sides are likely to fly to Johannesburg first before the West Indies contingent continues on to Antigua.
The exact time of departure is not yet confirmed, but it is expected that the departure will be on Sunday.
Part of the South African group, including members of the team management along with players Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith and George Lind, will head to New Zealand on Sunday for a limited-overs tour starting on March 15.
Cricket West Indies confirmed on Thursday that a charter flight was being prepared to take the team back home after being stranded in the city for more than four days due to restrictions on international airspace in the Persian Gulf region.
“During a high-level call today involving CWI, ICC officials, team management representatives and player representatives, it was confirmed that a chartered flight is currently being prepared for the departure of the team from India, expected to depart within the next 24 hours,” CWI said in a statement.
“The departure time remains subject to final air traffic approval. The team remains safe and arrangements are still being finalized,” the governing body added.
The CWI said it was in constant contact with the players, team management and the International Cricket Council while working on travel arrangements.
“While the situation remains complex and volatile due to international airspace restrictions resulting from security concerns in the Persian Gulf region, CWI assures the public that all precautionary measures are being taken to ensure the team’s safe return to the Caribbean,” management said.
The development comes hours after West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed his frustration over the delay on social media in a post that he “just wants to go home”.
After the deal, he wrote: “Got an update. That’s all WI wanted.”
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
07 March 2026 15:42 IST
