South African players (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki) Players from South Africa and West Indies have questioned travel arrangements following their withdrawal from the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, claiming some teams were given priority flights home. While the England national cricket team left Mumbai on Saturday after their semi-final loss on a chartered flight to London, the South African national cricket team and the West Indies national cricket team are still waiting in India due to flight disruptions related to tensions in the United States, Israel and Iran.Also See: India vs New Zealand Live Score T20 World Cup 2026 Final
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South Africa were eliminated after losing to the New Zealand national cricket team in the first semi-final in Kolkata, while West Indies exited after a five-wicket defeat to the Indian national cricket team at the Eden Gardens. The two teams are expected to travel together on a chartered flight from Kolkata, although the exact time of departure is still unclear.
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South African goalkeeper Quinton de Kock publicly criticized the situation on social networks. He wrote: “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 power than others.”His team-mate David Miller echoed the frustration, noting: “It’s funny that England were knocked out after WI & SA and got a charter back home tonight. While WI & SA are still waiting for answers in Calcutta.”West Indies head coach Daren Sammy echoed the criticism, replying: “@davidmillersa12 a bit louder so those at the back can hear please sir.”Former England captain Michael Vaughan also questioned the situation, writing: “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 whole force is wrong…”He added: “All teams in this situation should be treated equally… just because you are stronger at the ICC table shouldn’t count… #JustSaying.”The South African and West Indies squads are expected to fly to Johannesburg first, with the Caribbean team then continuing on to Antigua. Meanwhile, the final of the tournament between India and New Zealand will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
