T20 WC: England, SA and WI to finally leave India
What's the story
The England, South Africa, and West Indies cricket teams are scheduled to leave India this weekend. The move comes as a response to the disruption in air travel due to the ongoing military conflict in West Asia. ESPNcricinfo reported that after their second-final loss against India on Thursday, England will depart from Mumbai on Saturday evening.
Departure details
SA and WI to take different charter flight
West Indies and South Africa will take a different charter flight from Kolkata. The two teams will first fly to Johannesburg before heading to Antigua. However, the exact departure time is yet to be confirmed, with expectations set for Sunday. Some members of the South African contingent including team management, Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith, and George Linde will leave for New Zealand on Sunday for an upcoming limited-overs tour starting March 15.
Post-tournament stay
Delayed departures for SA and WI
Both South Africa and West Indies teams have been stuck in Kolkata since their 2026 T20 World Cup exits. South Africa lost to New Zealand in the first semi-final on March 4, while West Indies were eliminated by India in the last Super Eight game on March 1. On Saturday, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy had shared an update about their prolonged stay in Kolkata after their final match.
Travel issues
Impact of West Asia conflict on Zimbabwe's travel plans
The Zimbabwe team also experienced travel delays after their last match on March 1. However, some members of the contingent managed to leave on March 4. The travel disruptions highlight the impact of the ongoing military conflict in West Asia on international cricket teams' schedules and movements within India.
Duo
West Indies cricketers stranded in India
West Indies cricketers have been stuck in Kolkata for the last few days, following their exit from the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. The delay is due to international airspace restrictions, which were imposed after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. A charter flight was arranged for the team but final air traffic approvals were still pending. "WI & SA, both teams' departure details still awaited," a Cricket Association of Bengal official told PTI on Friday.
IPL
Some WI players may stay back in India
Some West Indies players may stay back in India to join their respective Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. The tournament is scheduled to start at the end of this month. Rovman Powell is with Kolkata Knight Riders, Sherfane Rutherford with Mumbai Indians, Shimron Hetmyer with Rajasthan Royals, and Romario Shepherd with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.