Players from West Indies and South Africa during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. (Getty Images) NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday addressed travel disruptions affecting several teams following the conclusion of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, saying the delay was caused by a major crisis in the Persian Gulf region that has severely affected international air travel.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!In a detailed statement, the ICC acknowledged the frustration among players and support staff who were unable to return home after completing their campaigns in the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.“We understand that players, coaches, support staff and their families who have completed their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaigns are looking forward to returning home,” the ICC said.“That they haven’t been able to do that yet is a source of real frustration and the International Cricket Council shares that frustration.”
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According to the global governing body, the delay stems from ongoing instability in the Persian Gulf region, which has led to widespread disruption to international aviation.The crisis has resulted in airspace closures, missile warnings, flight diversion restrictions and last-minute cancellations of both commercial and charter flights. This development has greatly complicated travel arrangements for teams leaving the subcontinent after the tournament.
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“These are conditions completely outside the ICC’s control and make any travel solution significantly more complex and time-consuming than under normal circumstances,” the statement said.READ ALSO: Reset or continuity? Gambhir & Agarkar face big problems after T20 World Cup triumphThe ICC confirmed that it is working continuously with airlines, charter operators, airport authorities, ground handling and government authorities in several jurisdictions to ensure safe travel for all affected teams.Among those affected are contingents from South Africa and the West Indies. The ICC said members of the South African group will begin flying to South Africa on Wednesday evening, with all expected to depart within the next 36 hours.Meanwhile, nine members of the West Indies contingent are already traveling back to the Caribbean, while the remaining 16 are scheduled to depart India in the next 24 hours.The ICC also rejected suggestions circulating on social media that travel decisions were influenced by factors other than security and logistics.“The ICC rejects any suggestion that these decisions are driven by anything other than safety, feasibility and welfare. Otherwise, suggestions on various media platforms from people uninformed are as unhelpful as they are incorrect,” the statement said.She further clarified that the measures taken for South Africa and the West Indies had no connection to travel measures previously taken for England or other nations, noting that each situation involved different routes, travel conditions and logistical issues.The ICC reiterated its position and said the safety of players and their families remains the highest priority.“During this period, the ICC’s top priority has been the safety and well-being of everyone affected, including players traveling with spouses and young children. We will not move people until we are satisfied that the travel solution is safe.”The governing body thanked the players, boards and partners for their patience and said the teams remain in constant contact with officials as they continue to try to get everyone home safely.
