ICC expressed sympathy towards the disappointment of the players, explained the reason for delay in returning home

Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its sympathy with the ‘genuine disappointment’ of West Indies and South Africa players who were unable to return home after the T20 World Cup due to tensions in the Gulf region, and rejected suggestions that decisions were taken without taking into account the players’ safety and interests.

Giving details of the travel itinerary, the ICC said that South Africa’s players will start flying home on Wednesday night and it is expected that all members of its team will leave within the next 36 hours. The ICC said that nine members of the West Indies team have already left for their countries, while 16 members have been booked on flights departing from India within the next 24 hours. “Further updates will be provided once there is clear confirmation of the players’ departure,” the ICC said in a statement.

The ICC booked separate commercial flights for the West Indies and South Africa teams on Tuesday after their charter flight from Kolkata was canceled due to ‘logistics’ problems. Cricket’s world body said, “The ICC completely rejects that these decisions have been taken for any reason other than safety, feasibility and the interests of the players.” The suggestions being given by people ignorant of the situation on various media platforms are unhelpful and wrong.

It further says, “The arrangements made in the case of South Africa and the West Indies have no connection with the arrangements made earlier for England or any other country. This arrangement was based on different circumstances, route options and different travel conditions.” Both teams played their final matches in Kolkata (West Indies in the Super Eights on March 1 and South Africa in the semi-finals on March 4). They have not been able to leave for their country due to disruption caused by restrictions on international airspace in parts of West Asia following the American and Israeli attacks on Iran. Due to this situation many planes are not able to pass through the Gulf region. The ICC’s airline partner is Emirates and they are also unable to operate due to the closure of Dubai’s airspace.

The ICC said, “We understand that the players, coaches, support staff and their families participating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 are eager to return home. It is really disappointing for him not to return home yet and the International Cricket Council also shares his disappointment with him.

“These delays are a direct result of the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region, which has caused widespread and sustained disruption to international air travel,” the world body said. These include airspace closures, missile alerts, diversion restrictions, as well as the sudden cancellation and rescheduling of commercial and charter flights. These circumstances are completely beyond the control of the ICC. Due to this, preparing the itinerary became difficult and took more time.

The ICC said it is in constant touch with tour operators and airlines to ensure the safe return of players home. “The ICC has continued to engage with airlines, charter operators, airport authorities, ground handlers and government stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions to ensure the safe return home as quickly as possible for all affected players and support staff,” it said. This work is still going on.

“Throughout this period, the ICC’s top priority has been to protect the safety and interests of all affected individuals,” the ICC said. These also include players traveling with their spouses and small children. We will not move people until we are sure that travel is completely safe and we are committed to that.

The ICC also urged the respective cricket boards and players to remain patient as it works to find the best possible solution amid the changing situation in the Gulf. The ICC said, “We thank all the players, management, board and partners for their patience and cooperation during this exceptionally difficult situation. Our teams are working round the clock and are in constant touch with team managers as the circumstances change. We will keep updating you regarding the further situation.