Team India triumphed in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, but travel restrictions following Middle East tensions left South Africa and West Indies stranded in India. Here’s the full story.
The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup is now over. In the final, which took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Team India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs.
India Wins T20 World Cup 2026
The Indian squad won the T20 World Cup for the third time, but it is unexpected that South Africa and the West Indies, who lost in the final round, are still in India.
South Africa has been based in Kolkata since their quarterfinal defeat to New Zealand on March 4, while the West Indies team has been here since their Super 8 encounter on March 1. The West Indies and South African teams will leave India for their home nations on Tuesday, according to recent reports.
Travel Disruptions Due to Middle East Airstrikes
It is important to note that travel restrictions following the US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran left both teams stranded here after concluding their T20 World Cup campaigns. Only West Indies coach Darren Sammy is reportedly scheduled to leave tonight via Singapore, with the remainder of the team taking a special flight on Tuesday.
The South African squad will travel to Johannesburg from Kolkata. Keshav Maharaj, George Linde, and Jason Smith are three South African players who have already left for New Zealand for the bilateral series, which begins on March 15 and consists of five Twenty20 Internationals. Due to airspace restrictions in West Asia after the assaults on Iran, the itinerary was altered.
Players Voice Frustration Over Delays
Darren Sammy, the West Indies coach, took to social media to vent his frustration over the delay in getting home. David Miller and Quinton de Kock, two South African athletes, have voiced their displeasure with the ICC. The fact that England left for London right away following their semifinal elimination was what infuriated the players. South Africa and the West Indies did not receive the special charter jet that the ICC had set up for England.
✈️ South Africa & West Indies Stranded
- South Africa: Based in Kolkata since March 4, traveling to Johannesburg on Tuesday
- West Indies: Stuck in India since March 1, special flight arranged on Tuesday
- Coach Departure: Darren Sammy leaving tonight via Singapore
- Reason: Airspace restrictions following US & Israeli airstrikes on Iran
- Player Reaction: Frustration expressed on social media
⚠️ ICC Travel Controversy
- England: Left for London immediately after semifinals
- South Africa & West Indies: No special charter provided initially
- Schedule Change: Adjusted due to West Asia airspace restrictions
- Upcoming Series: South Africa in NZ for 5 T20Is starting March 15
- Player Discontent: David Miller & Quinton de Kock criticized ICC handling
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Travel schedules and sports events are subject to change.
