After being stranded for over a week in Kolkata due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, the cricket teams of South Africa and West Indies are finally returning home. Although the Cricket World Cup 2026 concluded on 8 March, logistical and safety challenges had left several players unable to leave India. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed their safe departure on Thursday.
According to an official ICC statement, “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 added that ensuring the players’ return was complicated by the ongoing war in the region, which disrupted air travel across multiple countries. Coordination with various airlines and foreign governments was required to secure safe passage for all athletes.
Earlier this week, nine members of the West Indies squad had already been flown home. This latest movement ensures that the remainder of both teams have been repatriated. The players are first being flown from Kolkata to Johannesburg, from where South African players will continue to their final destinations, while West Indies players will travel onwards to Antigua.
The Middle East conflict, particularly tensions involving Iran, the Israel, and the United States, has led to the temporary closure of several airports in the region. This disruption prevented teams from departing India promptly even after the tournament’s conclusion.
Notably, the Zimbabwe squad also experienced delays while in Delhi, although the team eventually returned home shortly after their semi-final matches. England’s squad departed the day following their semi-final, sparking controversy and accusations of preferential treatment. ICC sources emphasised that all teams have now safely returned and no players remain 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 safety protocols and coordination with international authorities were rigorously followed to ensure all players returned without incident.
The repatriation marks the conclusion of a challenging logistical episode for the cricketing fraternity, highlighting the impact of geopolitical tensions on international sporting events. Teams, management, and officials alike have expressed relief that all squads are now safely back in their home countries.
This incident underscores the ICC’s commitment to player welfare during extraordinary circumstances and may influence future contingency planning for tournaments held in regions susceptible to international conflict.
