Iran war: ICC completes departures after men’s T20 W’Cup News

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Iran war: ICC completes departures after men’s T20 W’Cup

By Daily Sports Nigeria on March 13, 2026

The International Cricket Council has confirmed the safe departures of the final travelling parties of both the South Africa national cricket team and the West Indies cricket team following the conclusion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

Some members of the South Africa national team and the West Indies were stranded in India after the completion of the tournament on Sunday due to travel disruptions caused by the conflict across the Middle East.

West Indies remained in Kolkata for over a week after they were eliminated from the tournament, while South Africa, who were knocked out last Wednesday, also stayed in India for another week.

On Thursday, the ICC confirmed their safe departures in a press statement obtained by our correspondent.

“Within the past 24 hours, South Africa’s remaining 29 members and the West Indies’ final 16 members have departed on flights to their respective homelands, bringing to a close a complex operation that has taken place under exceptionally challenging global travel conditions,” the ICC’s statement read.

“Throughout this period, the ICC’s operations and logistics teams have worked continuously with governments, airlines, charter providers, airport authorities and our Member boards to navigate a number of operational disruptions caused by the evolving environment. Securing safe onward travel for all remaining players and staff was our sole aim and required constant adjustments as conditions changed.”

“We thank Cricket South Africa, Cricket West Indies and their entire squads for their support throughout this process, and also the ICC staff who worked tirelessly to ensure that all players, staff and their families were able to make safe journeys home.”

The ICC also said it managed all additional logistics, including accommodation, as a result of the unforeseen travel disruptions.

Co-hosts India banished the ghosts of 2023 by emphatically beating New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad on Sunday to defend their T20 World Cup title.

The win means India — the first side to defend the men’s T20 World Cup — have now won the past three men’s white-ball tournaments: this, the 2024 title and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

For New Zealand, also beaten by India in Dubai last year, the defeat adds to their near misses in the World Cup finals of 2015, 2019 and 2021.

Source Punch Ng

Posted March 13, 2026