Air chaos after T20 World Cup: ICC explains why teams are still stranded, rejects bias claims

NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday addressed the travel disruption affecting several teams after the conclusion of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, saying the delays were caused by a major crisis in the Gulf region that has severely affected international air travel.

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In a detailed statement, the ICC acknowledged the frustration among players and support staff who have been unable to return home after completing their campaigns in the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

“We understand that players, coaches, support staff and their families who have completed their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 campaigns are anxious to return home,” the ICC said.

“That they have not yet been able to do so is a source of genuine frustration, and the International Cricket Council shares that frustration.”




According to the global governing body, the delays stem from ongoing instability across the Gulf region that has led to widespread disruption of international aviation.

The crisis has resulted in airspace closures, missile warnings, flight rerouting restrictions and last-minute cancellations of both commercial and charter flights. These developments have significantly complicated travel arrangements for teams leaving the subcontinent after the tournament.

“These are conditions entirely outside the ICC’s control, and they have made each travel solution significantly more complex and time-consuming than under normal circumstances,” the statement said.

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The ICC confirmed it has been working continuously with airlines, charter operators, airport authorities, ground handlers and government agencies across several jurisdictions to secure safe travel arrangements for all affected teams.

Among those impacted are the contingents from South Africa and West Indies. The ICC said members of the South African group will begin departing for South Africa on Wednesday night, with all expected to leave within the next 36 hours.

Meanwhile, nine members of the West Indies contingent are already travelling back to the Caribbean, while the remaining 16 are scheduled to depart from India within the next 24 hours.

The ICC also rejected suggestions circulating on social media that the travel decisions were influenced by factors other than safety and logistics.

“The ICC rejects any suggestion that these decisions have been driven by anything other than safety, feasibility and welfare. Suggestions otherwise across a variety of media platforms from people uninformed of the situation are as unhelpful as they are incorrect,” the statement said.

It further clarified that the arrangements made for South Africa and West Indies had no connection with travel arrangements earlier made for England or other nations, noting that each situation involved different routes, travel conditions and logistical challenges.

Reiterating its stance, the ICC said the safety of players and their families remains the top priority.

“Throughout this period, the ICC's overriding priority has been the safety and welfare of everyone affected, including players travelling with spouses and young children. We will not move people until we are satisfied that the travel solution in place is safe.”

The governing body thanked players, boards and partners for their patience and said teams remain in constant communication with officials as efforts continue to bring everyone home safely.


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