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Cricket Teams Evacuate India Amid Conflict, ICC Arranges Emergency Flights

The England, South Africa, and West Indies cricket teams are scheduled to depart India this weekend via International Cricket Council-arranged charter flights. Their travel has been disrupted by airspace restrictions stemming from the ongoing military conflict in West Asia. South Africa and the West Indies have been stuck in Kolkata since their tournament eliminations, awaiting confirmed flight details. The situation prompted West Indies coach Daren Sammy to publicly express his frustration over the delayed departure.

Key Points: ICC Arranges Charter Flights for Teams Amid Middle East Conflict

  • Teams stranded post-T20 World Cup exit
  • Airspace restricted by Middle East conflict
  • Charter flights arranged by ICC
  • Departures scheduled from Mumbai and Kolkata
2 min read

T20 WC: England, South Africa, West Indies to leave India on weekend by ICC-arranged charter flights

England, South Africa, and West Indies teams to leave India on ICC-arranged charter flights due to airspace disruptions from Middle East military conflict.

"I just wanna go home - Daren Sammy"

New Delhi, March 7

England, South Africa, and West Indies cricket teams are set to leave India this weekend on International Cricket Council arranged charter flights due to West Asia's ongoing military conflict disrupting air travel.

England's team is expected to depart from Mumbai Saturday evening for London, while South Africa and West Indies will fly together from Kolkata, likely stopping in Johannesburg before heading to Antigua. Both teams are still awaiting confirmation on when exactly they will depart, but the understanding is that it will be on Sunday, ESPNcricinfo reported.

Some of the South African players, led by Keshav Maharaj, will be heading to New Zealand for a limited-overs tour starting March 15.

South Africa and West Indies cricket teams are stuck in Kolkata after their T20 World Cup exits. South Africa lost to New Zealand in the semi-finals on March 4, while the West Indies were eliminated after a five-wicket defeat to India in the Super Eights on March 1.

The teams are waiting for charter flights arranged by the ICC due to airspace restrictions caused by the Middle East conflict.

Earlier, West Indies coach Daren Sammy expressed his desire to go home amid the team's delayed departure from India due to international airspace restrictions arising from security concerns in the Gulf Region, owing to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict in the region. The two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain, in a simple four-word post on X, said, "I just wanna go home" on Thursday.

India is set to defend their title against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday in Ahmedabad, bringing an end to the tournament that began on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Feel for Daren Sammy and the teams stuck. "I just wanna go home" says it all. Must be so frustrating after a long tournament. At least they're in good hands with the BCCI and ICC hospitality.
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Priyanka N
This is the reality of our interconnected world. A fight thousands of km away disrupts travel from India. Hope the situation de-escalates soon. On a brighter note, all eyes on Ahmedabad for the final! Come on, India! 🏏
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Aman W
While the charter flights are necessary, it does make you wonder about the planning. The conflict has been on for a while. Couldn't contingency travel plans have been made earlier? Just a thought.
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Karthik V
South Africa flying to NZ right after? That's a tight schedule! Respect for the players' commitment. Meanwhile, our Men in Blue better bring that cup home on Sunday! đź’™
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Michael C
Interesting to see teams sharing a flight from Kolkata. Shows camaraderie beyond the competition. The tournament was brilliantly hosted by India despite these external challenges.

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