T20 World Cup: West Indies and South Africa Set to Depart India Amid Travel Delays
Synopsis
The West Indies and South Africa cricket teams are finally set to leave India following their ICC T20 World Cup campaigns, facing unexpected travel delays due to regional airspace restrictions. Discover what led to this situation and the teams' next steps.
Key Takeaways
Departure Confirmed: West Indies and South Africa leaving India after T20 World Cup.
Travel Delays: Caused by restricted airspace in West Asia.
Early Departures: Three South African players and support staff left earlier for New Zealand.
Frustration: Players from both teams expressed dissatisfaction over the delays.
Next Matches: South Africa to play T20I series in New Zealand starting March 15.
Kolkata, March 8 (NationPress) The squads of West Indies and South Africa have finally been informed about their exit from India following the conclusion of their respective journeys in the ICC T20 World Cup.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, both teams are presently in Kolkata and are set to depart in the early hours of Tuesday, March 10, via a charter flight heading to Johannesburg. The West Indies team will then continue their travel to Antigua.
Initially, both teams had anticipated leaving on Sunday, March 8, but they only received an updated travel itinerary late on Sunday afternoon.
However, three players from the South African contingent—Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith, and George Linde—along with the complete support staff, will leave India earlier on Sunday. They are en route to New Zealand, where South Africa is scheduled to commence a five-match T20I series starting March 15.
The delay in travel arrangements has reportedly caused frustration among players from both teams, attributed to restricted or closed airspace in parts of West Asia due to the ongoing crisis in the region.
The West Indies team has been in Kolkata since their elimination by India during the Super Eight stage on March 1, while South Africa has remained in the city following their semifinal loss to New Zealand on March 4.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed dissatisfaction through posts on social media platform X, with several South African players, including Quinton de Kock and David Miller, also sharing their concerns on Instagram.
In contrast, the England team departed from Mumbai on Saturday evening, heading directly to London after their exit from the tournament in the semifinals.
Point of View
The travel delays affecting the West Indies and South Africa teams highlight the complexities of international sporting events amid global crises. The situation emphasizes the importance of efficient logistical planning in sports.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the West Indies and South Africa teams delayed in leaving India?
The teams faced travel delays due to restricted or closed airspace in parts of West Asia caused by ongoing regional crises.
When are the teams scheduled to leave India?
Both teams are scheduled to depart in the early hours of Tuesday, March 10, on a charter flight to Johannesburg.
Which South African players left India earlier?
Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith, and George Linde, along with the entire support staff, left India earlier on Sunday.
What will the West Indies team do after leaving India?
After departing to Johannesburg, the West Indies squad will continue their journey to Antigua.
How did the coaches and players react to the travel delays?
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed his dissatisfaction on social media, and several South African players also voiced their concerns.
