After being stranded for over a week in Kolkata due to escalating Middle East tensions, the cricket teams of South Africa and West Indies are finally on their way home. Despite the conclusion of the Cricket World Cup 2026 on 8 March, a combination of safety concerns and disrupted air travel had left several players unable to leave 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 led to temporary airport closures in several countries. Coordinated efforts with airlines and foreign governments were necessary to secure safe passage for all athletes.
Earlier this week, nine members of the West Indies squad had already returned home. This latest operation ensures that the remainder of both squads have now been safely repatriated. Players were first flown from Kolkata to Johannesburg. From there, South African cricketers 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 several 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, by contrast, 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 followed to ensure all players returned without incident.
The successful repatriation concludes a challenging logistical episode for the cricketing community, illustrating how geopolitical tensions can directly impact international sporting events. Players, team management, and officials expressed relief that all squads are now safely home.
This episode also underscores the ICC’s commitment to player welfare during extraordinary circumstances and