The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 concluded on March 8, and the governing body has now confirmed that the final travelling groups of South Africa and West Indies have safely left India for their home countries.
Both teams had remained in India for a few days after their tournament exit due to travel disruptions and security concerns in West Asia, which complicated flight routes and logistics.
What Happened in the T20 World Cup 2026
The T20 World Cup 2026 was jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with India hosting all the knockout matches.
Both South Africa and West Indies were eliminated before the final.
Tournament Exit Details
| Team | Stage Eliminated | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| West Indies | Super Eights | — |
| South Africa | Semi-final | Lost to New Zealand |
After their elimination, the teams remained in India while the ICC worked on safe travel arrangements.
Why the Teams Could Not Leave Immediately
Following the tournament exit, the teams were unable to fly home immediately due to unrest and travel challenges in West Asia.
These conditions affected international flight routes and made travel planning more difficult.
During the same period:
- England, who defeated India in the second semi-final, were able to travel home earlier.
- Some reports suggested that England received preferential treatment, but the ICC strongly denied these claims.
The ICC clarified that all decisions were based on safety, feasibility, and player welfare, not favoritism.
ICC’s Final Travel Update
The ICC later confirmed that the final travel groups from both teams had safely departed India.
Earlier in the week, several players had already left the country.
Travel Party Sizes
| Team | Travel Party Size |
|---|---|
| South Africa | 29 members |
| West Indies | 16 members |
Additionally, nine Caribbean players had already departed earlier in the week before the final group left.
ICC Explains the Complex Travel Plan
The ICC described the travel arrangements as complex, mainly because of global travel restrictions and security concerns.
According to officials, organizing safe travel required:
- Careful coordination with airlines
- Adjustments to flight routes
- Ensuring security and safety for players and staff
The ICC stressed that player welfare and safety were the top priorities during the entire process.
ICC Responds to Favoritism Claims
After questions were raised about England returning earlier, the ICC clarified that no team received special treatment.
The organization explained that decisions were made based on:
- Safety conditions
- Flight availability
- Logistical feasibility
- Welfare of players and team staff
This statement was meant to address concerns from South Africa and West Indies supporters.
Key Travel Updates
| Update | Details |
|---|---|
| South Africa travel party | 29 members left India |
| West Indies travel party | 16 members left India |
| Earlier departures | 9 Caribbean players left earlier |
| Travel reason for delay | Security concerns and global travel conditions |
Focus Now Shifts to IPL 2026
With the T20 World Cup now over, attention is quickly moving to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which begins on March 28.
Many international players who participated in the World Cup are expected to join their IPL franchises soon as teams prepare for the new season.
Despite the travel challenges faced by some teams, most foreign players are expected to arrive in India in time for the tournament.
The ICC’s confirmation that South Africa and West Indies players have safely travelled home brings closure to the logistical challenges following the World Cup. Now, the cricket world is preparing for the next big event — IPL 2026.
