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March 9, 2026 11:32 AM

NEWS

West Indies and South Africa set to leave India after travel delays caused by West Asia crisis

West Indies and South Africa set to leave India after travel delays caused by West Asia crisis

West Indies and South Africa will finally depart India in the early hours of Tuesday after travel disruptions caused by airspace restrictions in West Asia delayed their return following the T20 World Cup.

Both teams have remained in Kolkata since their elimination from the tournament. South Africa were knocked out by New Zealand in the semi-final on March 4, while West Indies exited earlier after their Super Eight defeat to India on March 1. The two sides were initially scheduled to leave on March 8 but had their travel plans altered due to the regional crisis affecting several international flight routes.

According to updated arrangements, the squads will travel together on a charter flight from Kolkata to Johannesburg early on Tuesday morning. From there, the West Indies team will continue onward to Antigua.

However, a few members of the South African squad will depart earlier. Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith and George Linde, along with the team management, are scheduled to leave India on Sunday to travel to New Zealand. South Africa are set to begin a five-match T20I series there on March 15.

The delay has reportedly caused frustration among players and team staff. West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed his concerns about the situation on social media, while several South African players, including Quinton de Kock and David Miller, also voiced their dissatisfaction online.

Earlier attempts to arrange a charter flight for the West Indies squad did not materialise. In a statement, Cricket West Indies said it had been in constant communication with players, team management and the International Cricket Council while working to resolve the situation.

Meanwhile, England’s squad has already left India, departing from Mumbai for London on Saturday evening.

#ICC Men's T20 World Cup

#South Africa

#West Indies

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