Chaos in air after T20 WC: ICC explains why teams remain stranded, rejects bias accusations

New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday discussed the travel disruption affecting several teams after 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.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!In a detailed statement, the International Cricket Federation acknowledged the frustration of players and support staff not being able to return home after completing the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.“We understand that the players, coaches, support staff and their families who have completed the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign are eager to return home,” the ICC said.“They haven’t been able to do that and that’s a real source of frustration, a frustration shared by the International Cricket Council.”

According to the global governing body, the delays are due to widespread disruption to international aviation caused by ongoing instability in the Gulf region.The crisis has resulted in airspace closures, missile warnings, flight diversion restrictions and last-minute cancellations of commercial and charter flights. These developments have greatly complicated travel arrangements for teams leaving the subcontinent after the tournament.“These circumstances are completely beyond the ICC’s control and they make every travel solution more complex and time-consuming than normal,” the statement said.Also read: Reset or continuity? Gambhir and Agarkar face huge pressure after T20 World Cup victoryThe ICC confirmed it has been working continuously with airlines, charter operators, airport authorities, ground staff and government agencies across multiple jurisdictions to ensure safe travel arrangements for all affected teams.Those affected included contingents from South Africa and the West Indies. The ICC said members of the South African team will depart for South Africa on Wednesday evening and all are expected to leave within the next 36 hours.Meanwhile, nine members of the West Indies contingent have returned to the Caribbean and the remaining 16 are scheduled to depart from India within the next 24 hours.The ICC also rejected claims circulating on social media that travel decisions were influenced by factors other than security and logistics.“The ICC rejects any suggestion that these decisions were motivated by factors other than safety, feasibility and welfare. Other suggestions made by uninformed persons on various media platforms are not only wrong, but also unhelpful,” the statement said.It further clarified that the arrangements made for South Africa and the West Indies were not related to previous travel arrangements made for England or other countries, noting that each situation involved different routes, travel conditions and logistical challenges.The ICC reiterated its stance, saying the safety of players and their families remains the top priority.“During this period, the ICC’s priority is the safety and well-being of everyone affected, including players traveling with spouses and young children. We will not move people until we are satisfied with the safety of the travel solutions in place.”The governing body thanked players, boards and partners for their patience and said teams will remain in communication with officials as they continue to work to get everyone home safely.