West Indies and South Africa players during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. (Getty Images)
NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday addressed the travel disruption affecting several teams following the conclusion of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, saying the delay resulted from a major crisis in the Gulf region that has severely impacted international air travel.Go beyond boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe 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 hosted by India and Sri Lanka.“We understand that players, coaches, support staff and their families who completed their 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaigns are keen to return home,” the ICC said.“That they have not yet been able to do so is a real source of frustration, and the ICC shares that frustration.”
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According to the global governing body, the delay stems from ongoing instability across the Gulf region that has led to widespread disruption to international aviation.The crisis led to airspace closures, missile warnings, restrictions on rerouting flights, and last-minute cancellations of commercial and charter flights. These developments have significantly complicated travel arrangements for teams leaving the Indian subcontinent after the tournament.
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“These are circumstances that are completely beyond the ICC’s control, and have made every travel solution more complex and time-consuming than under normal circumstances,” the statement read.Read also: Reset or continuity? Gambhir and Agarkar face big calls after their T20 World Cup winThe International Chamber of Commerce confirmed that it is continuously working with airlines, charter flight operators, airport authorities, ground handlers and government agencies across many jurisdictions to secure safe travel arrangements for all affected teams.Among those affected are units from South Africa and the West Indies. The ICC said members of the South African group will begin departing for South Africa on Wednesday evening, and are all expected to depart within the next 36 hours.Meanwhile, nine members of the West Indies squad have already returned to the Caribbean, while the remaining 16 are scheduled to leave India in the next 24 hours.The ICC also rejected suggestions circulating on social media that travel decisions were influenced by factors other than safety and logistics.“The ICC rejects any suggestion that these decisions were motivated by anything other than safety, feasibility and well-being. Suggestions to the contrary across a variety of media platforms from people unfamiliar with the situation are as unhelpful as they are incorrect,” the statement said.She further explained that the arrangements made for South Africa and the West Indies had no connection to travel arrangements previously made for England or other countries, noting that each situation involved different routes, travel conditions and logistical challenges.The International Criminal Court confirmed its position and said that the safety of the players and their families remains the top priority.“Throughout this period, the ICC’s highest priority has been the safety and well-being of all those affected, including players traveling with their spouses and young children. We will not transfer people until we are satisfied that the travel solution in place is safe.”The Board of Directors thanked the players, boards and partners for their patience, and said that the teams remain in constant contact with officials as efforts continue to return everyone home safely.