South Africa’s Quinton de Kock (ANI Photo) Quinton de Kock criticized the International Cricket Council after reports suggested that the England cricket team would return home before the South African national cricket team and the West Indies cricket team following their withdrawal from the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.Travel plans for several teams have been affected by international airspace restrictions related to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. As a result, a number of parties remained in India while waiting for charter flights organized by the ICC.The West Indies crashed out of the tournament on 1 March after defeating the Indian national cricket team at the Super 8 stage, while South Africa’s campaign ended with a semi-final loss to the New Zealand national cricket team. Since then, both teams have remained in India awaiting travel arrangements.The Caribbean side were in the country for about a week after their elimination, while the Proteas waited three days. In contrast, England were beaten by India in the other semi-final on Thursday but are set to go home on Saturday, just two days after their exit.The situation prompted de Kock to question the apparent imbalance, suggesting that some teams could have more influence in international cricket.
Quinton de Kock’s Insta Story
“Funny @icc we haven’t heard! Meanwhile England are somehow leaving ahead of us? @westindies and @proteasmencsa are just in the dark! Weird how different teams have more appeal than others,” Quinton de Kock wrote on Instagram Stories.Former England captain Michael Vaughan also expressed similar concerns about the travel situation earlier. He questioned why England could leave earlier despite the other teams staying longer in India.
contributed by Michael Vaughan
“So England were knocked out on Thursday, get a charter home today.. West Indies leave last Sunday and are still in Calcutta.. SA in the same position.. That’s where the power is all wrong.. All teams in this situation should be treated equally.. just because you’re stronger at the ICC table shouldn’t count..,” #JustSaying.
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According to ESPNCricinfo, England are expected to depart on Saturday, while both South Africa and the West Indies are likely to depart on Sunday once charter flights organized by the ICC are available.England’s flight is scheduled directly to London. Meanwhile, South Africa and the West Indies are set to travel to Johannesburg first, after which the Caribbean side will continue their journey to Antigua. However, neither team has officially confirmed the exact timing of their departures.The frustration in the West Indies camp was palpable. Head coach Daren Sammy posted ‘Day 6’ on X on Friday, highlighting how long the team has been stuck in Kolkata since the game against India at the Eden Gardens.Earlier in the tournament, Zimbabwe’s national cricket team also faced travel delays after playing their final match against South Africa on March 1 in New Delhi before finally flying out of India on March 4.
