New Delhi, March 11 (NationPress) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made an official statement regarding the logistical challenges that have resulted in several teams being stranded in India after their participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The ICC sought to alleviate growing frustrations among players and responded to claims of favoritism, attributing the travel disruptions exclusively to the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region.

Teams have found themselves stuck in India following the T20 World Cup due to current airspace restrictions arising from the conflict in the Middle East and West Asia.

"We recognize that players, coaches, support staff, and their families who have concluded their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 campaigns are eager to return home. The inability to do so has understandably caused significant frustration, and the ICC empathizes with that sentiment.

"The delays are directly linked to the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region, which has led to widespread disruptions in international air travel, including airspace closures, missile alerts, re-routing obligations, as well as the sudden cancellation and rescheduling of both commercial and charter flights. These challenges are entirely beyond the ICC's control, rendering travel arrangements significantly more complicated and time-consuming than usual.

"The ICC has been in constant communication with airlines, charter companies, airport authorities, ground handlers, and government entities across various jurisdictions to ensure safe travel for all affected parties as swiftly as possible. Our efforts are still ongoing," stated the ICC in a press release.

Among the teams impacted are the West Indies and South Africa. The West Indies completed their final match on March 1 but remain in India, while South Africa has also been unable to depart following their semifinal loss to New Zealand on March 4.

"As per current plans, the South Africa contingent will begin their departure for home tonight, with all members expected to leave within the next 36 hours. Of the West Indies players, nine are already en route to the Caribbean, while the remaining 16 have flights scheduled to depart India within the next 24 hours. We will provide updates as further arrangements are confirmed," it added.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the ability of England to return to the UK last Saturday after their semifinal exit, utilizing a charter flight from Mumbai, while the West Indies have been stranded in Kolkata for over a week after their Super 8 exit. South Africa also remains in India with a travel plan proposed for Tuesday.

"The ICC dismisses any claims that these decisions have been influenced by anything other than safety, practicality, and well-being. Suggestions to the contrary from individuals uninformed of the current situation are both unhelpful and inaccurate.

"There is no connection between the travel arrangements for South Africa and the West Indies and those made for England or any other nation, as these arose from distinct circumstances, routing options, and differing travel conditions," clarified the ICC.

It concluded, "Throughout this period, our primary focus has been the safety and welfare of all involved, including players traveling with spouses and young children. We will not facilitate travel until we are assured that the arrangements are safe, and this commitment remains unchanged.

"We express our gratitude to all players, management, boards, and partners for their ongoing patience and cooperation during this exceptionally challenging situation. Our teams are working tirelessly and maintaining constant communication with team managers as the situation continues to evolve. We will keep everyone updated as developments arise."