Stranded World Cup Teams Evacuated via Charter Flights Amid West Asia Conflict

Travel disruptions triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict have forced the ICC to arrange charter departures for several teams exiting the T20 World Cup 2026.

The three teams (England, South Africa, West Indies) had remained in India following their elimination from the tournament due to commercial flight disruptions after restricted airspace routes across parts of West Asia. In response, the ICC stepped in to coordinate charter flights to ensure players and support staff could return home safely.

England will depart first, leaving Mumbai on Saturday evening on a direct charter bound for London. The team had remained in the city after their semi-final defeat earlier in the week. Meanwhile, both South Africa and West Indies are expected to board a separate charter flight from Kolkata, where they have been based since their respective exits from the tournament.

For West Indies, the delay stretched nearly a week after their final Super Eight match. Head coach Daren Sammy reflected the prolonged wait on social media, posting “Day 6” on his X account while the squad remained in Kolkata awaiting travel clearance.

South Africa’s group will also head out from the eastern Indian city, although part of their touring contingent has a tight schedule ahead. Members of the management staff and players including Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith and George Linde are due to continue onward to New Zealand for a white-ball series beginning on March 15.

Zimbabwe also faced similar travel delays earlier in the week before some members of their squad managed to leave India.

The logistical adjustments come as the T20 World Cup 2026 nears its conclusion, with the final between India and New Zealand scheduled in Ahmedabad on Sunday, bringing the multi-nation tournament to a close amid unusual travel circumstances caused by the wider West Asia conflict.