New Delhi: The International Cricket Council has rejected criticism over travel arrangements for players following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, saying suggestions that it ignored player welfare are “misleading and unhelpful.” The governing body stressed that safety remains the top priority as teams face delays returning home due to escalating tensions in the Gulf region.
Air travel in parts of the Middle East has been severely disrupted after military strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran led to airspace closures and flight cancellations. The situation has complicated international travel plans, particularly for teams that recently concluded their campaigns in the tournament hosted in India.
In a statement, the ICC expressed sympathy for players who remain unable to leave the country, particularly members of the South Africa national cricket team and the West Indies cricket team. Officials said efforts are underway to arrange alternative routes and flights as conditions allow.
According to the cricket body, South African players were scheduled to begin their departures on Wednesday night, with the entire squad expected to leave within roughly 36 hours. The ICC also said that nine members of the West Indies contingent had already flown out, while the remaining players and support staff were booked on flights expected to depart within the next day.
The travel complications intensified after a planned charter flight from Kolkata was cancelled earlier in the week due to logistical issues. As a result, the ICC arranged separate commercial flights for the affected teams.
The situation prompted criticism from several figures in the cricket world. Former England captain Michael Vaughan questioned the handling of the travel arrangements, while South African batter David Miller suggested that England players appeared to have been able to leave sooner after their semi-final exit. Meanwhile, West Indies head coach Darren Sammy voiced frustration over what he described as a lack of updates.
Responding to the criticism without naming individuals, the ICC said comparisons with other teams were inaccurate. It explained that travel planning depended heavily on route availability, airline schedules and the constantly changing aviation situation.
The governing body noted that its official airline partner, Emirates, has also been affected by the closure of airspace around Dubai, limiting available flight options.
The ICC said the broader disruption is directly linked to the ongoing geopolitical crisis in the Gulf, which has triggered airspace restrictions, missile alerts and sudden cancellations of both commercial and charter flights. Such factors, it said, are beyond the organisation’s control.
Despite the delays, the ICC said it is working closely with airlines and tour operators while staying in constant contact with team managers. The body emphasised that many players are travelling with families, including spouses and children, making safety considerations even more critical.
Reassuring teams and cricket boards, the ICC said it will not move players until travel routes are deemed safe and viable. It also urged patience as officials continue to monitor the evolving situation and finalise travel arrangements for those still awaiting departure.
