New Delhi: The final batch of South African and West Indian players stuck in India after the T20 World Cup have safely departed, the ICC confirmed on Thursday through a press release. The departures ended a crisis caused by the closure of Gulf airspace amidst the US-Israel-Iran war that has triggered chaos in West Asia.
The ongoing military conflict jeopardised the departures of South Africa and the West Indies, who played their final World Cup game on March 1.
Both teams were stranded in Kolkata due to the closure of airspace and airports at major transit points, including Dubai.
After the departures of nine West Indies players earlier this week, the remaining 16 were booked on commercial flights. Meanwhile, a 29-member Proteas contingent has also left India.
ICC confirms departures of SA, WI teams
“Within the past 24 hours, South Africa’s remaining 29 members and the West Indies’ final 16 members have departed on flights to their respective homelands, bringing to a close a complex operation that has taken place under exceptionally challenging global travel conditions,” the ICC said.
ICC stated that ensuring the “safe onward travel for all players and staff was the sole aim”, which required constant adjustments as conditions evolved.
“Throughout this period, the ICC’s operations and logistics teams have worked continuously with governments, airlines, charter providers, airport authorities and our Member boards to navigate a number of operational disruptions caused by the evolving environment.” The ICC had earlier drawn criticism from former England captain Michael Vaughan and South African stars Quinton de Kock and David Miller, who insinuated that England players were given better travel arrangements as they were able to leave within a day of their semifinal exit.
After the delay due to the Middle East crisis, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed frustration at the lack of updates from the governing body after a charter flight scheduled to fly from Kolkata was cancelled due to logistical issues. A few days later, he left for his homeland.
The ICC’s airline partner, Emirates, has had to shut down operations following the shutdown of airspace over Dubai.
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