Intro
Final groups depart Kolkata after airspace closures disrupt post-tournament travel plans
Kolkata
The final batch of players and staff from South Africa national cricket team and West Indies cricket team departed India on Thursday after days of uncertainty caused by the escalating conflict in West Asia, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed.
The crisis had severely disrupted international travel after airspace and major transit hubs, particularly Dubai, were shut indefinitely, forcing several players and officials to remain in India longer than planned following their participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Both teams had completed their final matches in Kolkata earlier this month — the West Indies on March 1 and South Africa on March 4 — but were unable to leave due to the sudden aviation disruptions linked to the conflict.
According to the ICC, the remaining 29 members of the South African contingent and the final 16 members of the West Indies squad, including support staff, boarded commercial flights within the past 24 hours to return to their respective countries.
“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 carried out under exceptionally challenging global travel conditions,” the ICC said in a statement.
The governing body said ensuring the safe travel of players and staff had been its top priority. ICC operations and logistics teams worked with governments, airlines, airport authorities and member boards to arrange alternative routes and flights as the situation evolved.
“Throughout this period, the ICC’s operations and logistics teams have worked continuously with governments, airlines, charter providers and airport authorities to manage operational disruptions caused by the evolving environment,” it added.
The situation, however, drew criticism from several prominent figures in international cricket. Former England national cricket team captain Michael Vaughan and South African players Quinton de Kock and David Miller questioned the travel arrangements, alleging that England players were given quicker exit options despite leaving the tournament later.
Earlier, West Indies head coach Darren Sammy had also expressed frustration after a planned charter flight from Kolkata was cancelled due to logistical issues.
The ICC’s airline partner Emirates had suspended operations following the shutdown of airspace over Dubai, further complicating evacuation plans.
With the final departures now completed, the ICC said the challenging relocation effort had successfully concluded.
