Stranded Cricket Teams Finally Head Home Amid Travel Chaos

Amidst the Gulf airspace closure due to the West Asia conflict, South African and West Indian players stranded in India post-T20 World Cup have now departed. This concluded a complex operation by the ICC, which faced criticism for its handling of player travel arrangements compared to other teams.

After being stranded in India due to airspace closures in the Gulf region amidst the West Asia conflict, South African and West Indian cricket players have finally departed towards their respective countries, as confirmed by the ICC on Thursday.

The teams had been stuck in Kolkata since their final T20 World Cup matches, with travel plans disrupted by the closure of major transit points like Dubai. While a portion of the West Indian team managed to leave earlier, the remaining players and a 29-member South African contingent were finally able to secure flights home.

The ICC's efforts to ensure safe travel have faced challenges and criticism, notably from figures like Michael Vaughan and Quinton de Kock, regarding unequal travel accommodations compared to England's team. Despite logistical setbacks, the ICC prioritized the players' safe return amid complex global travel conditions. Emirates airline, an ICC partner, was unable to operate flights due to Dubai airspace issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)