After being stranded in Kolkata for over a week due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, the cricket teams of South Africa and West Indies have finally begun their journey home. Despite the conclusion of the Cricket World Cup 2026 on 8 March, safety concerns and disrupted air travel had delayed several players’ departure from India. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed their safe departure on Thursday.
In an official statement, the ICC said:
“Within the past 24 hours, the remaining 29 members of the South African squad and the final 16 members of the West Indies squad have departed by air. There are now no players stranded in India; all are either en route to their home countries or have safely returned. Player safety was a priority throughout this challenging situation.”
The ICC explained that repatriating the players had been complicated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which caused temporary closures of airports in several countries. Careful coordination with multiple airlines and foreign governments was required to ensure the players’ safe return.
Earlier this week, nine members of the West Indies squad had already been flown home. This latest movement ensured that the remainder of both teams have now been safely repatriated. Players were first flown from Kolkata to Johannesburg, after which South African players will continue to their final destinations, while West Indies players will travel onward to Antigua.
The broader Middle East conflict, involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, disrupted multiple flight corridors, preventing teams from departing India promptly even after the tournament ended.
Other teams were also affected. The Zimbabwe squad faced delays while in Delhi but returned home shortly after their semi-final matches. England’s squad, however, departed the day following their semi-final, prompting some controversy and allegations of preferential treatment. ICC officials emphasised that all teams have now safely returned, with no players remaining in India.
Overview of Delayed Departures
| Team | Players Initially Stranded | Players Previously Flown | Players Recently Departed | Transit Points | Final Destination |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 29 | N/A | 29 | Kolkata → Johannesburg | South Africa |
| West Indies | 16 | 9 | 16 | Kolkata → Johannesburg → Antigua | Antigua & Barbuda |
| Zimbabwe | Unknown | N/A | N/A | Delhi → Home | Zimbabwe |
ICC officials confirmed that strict safety protocols and close coordination with international authorities were observed throughout the operation to ensure all players returned without incident.
The successful repatriation marks the conclusion of a challenging logistical episode for the cricketing community, illustrating how geopolitical tensions can directly impact international sporting events. Players, management, and officials alike expressed relief that all squads are now safely home.
This episode also underscores the ICC’s ongoing commitment to player welfare in extraordinary circumstances and is likely to influence contingency planning for future tournaments held in regions susceptible to international conflict.