South Africa’s players (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

Players from South Africa and West Indies have questioned the travel arrangements after their exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, claiming some teams were given priority flights home. While England national cricket team left Mumbai on a charter flight to London on Saturday after their semifinal loss, the South Africa national cricket team and West Indies national cricket team are still waiting in India due to flight disruptions linked to tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

South Africa were knocked out after losing to New Zealand national cricket team in the first semifinal in Kolkata, while West Indies exited following a five-wicket defeat to India national cricket team at Eden Gardens. Both teams are expected to travel together on a charter flight from Kolkata, although the exact departure time is still unclear.South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock publicly criticised the situation on social media. He wrote, “Funny @icc, we have heard nothing! Meanwhile, England are leaving before us somehow? @westindies and @proteasmencsa are just in the dark! Strange how different teams have more pull than others.”His teammate David Miller echoed the frustration, commenting, “Funny that England gets eliminated after WI & SA and gets on a charter back home tonight. While WI & SA still wait for answers in Kolkata.”West Indies head coach Daren Sammy supported the criticism, replying, “@davidmillersa12 a lil louder for those in the back to hear please sir.”Former England captain Michael Vaughan also questioned the situation, writing, “So England got knocked out on Thurs, get a charter home today .. West Indies go out last Sunday and are still in Kolkata .. SA in the same position .. That’s where the power is all wrong ..”He added, “All teams in this situation should be treated the same .. just because you are more powerful at the ICC table shouldn’t count .. #JustSaying.”The South Africa and West Indies squads are expected to fly to Johannesburg first, with the Caribbean team then continuing to Antigua. Meanwhile, the tournament final between India and New Zealand is set to take place at Narendra Modi Stadium.

South Africa’s Quinton de Kock (ANI Photo)

Quinton de Kock has criticised the International Cricket Council after reports suggested that England cricket team would return home before both South Africa national cricket team and the West Indies cricket team following their exits from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Travel plans for several teams have been affected due to international airspace restrictions linked to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. As a result, a number of sides have remained in India while waiting for charter flights arranged by the ICC. The West Indies were knocked out of the tournament on March 1 after a defeat to the India national cricket team in the Super 8 stage, while South Africa’s campaign ended with a semi final loss to the New Zealand national cricket team. Since then, both teams have remained in India awaiting travel arrangements. The Caribbean side has been in the country for about a week following their elimination, while the Proteas have been waiting for three days. In contrast, England were beaten by India in the second semi final on Thursday but are set to leave for home on Saturday, just two days after their exit. The situation prompted de Kock to question the apparent imbalance, suggesting that some teams might have greater influence within international cricket.

Quinton de kock’s insta story

“Funny @icc, we have heard nothing! Meanwhile, England are leaving before us somehow? @westindies and @proteasmencsa are just in the dark! Strange how different teams have more pull than others,” wrote Quinton de Kock on Instagram Stories. Earlier, former England captain Michael Vaughan also raised similar concerns about the travel situation. He questioned why England were able to leave earlier despite other teams being stuck in India for longer.

Michael Vaughan post

“So England got knocked out on Thurs, get a charter home today .. West Indies go out last Sunday and are still in Kolkata .. SA in the same position .. That’s where the power is all wrong .. All teams in this situation should be treated the same .. just because you are more powerful at the ICC table shouldn’t count .. #JustSaying,” he wrote on X. According to ESPNCricinfo, England are expected to depart on Saturday, while both South Africa and the West Indies are likely to leave on Sunday once charter flights organised by the ICC become available. England’s flight is scheduled to head directly to London. Meanwhile, South Africa and West Indies are set to travel first to Johannesburg, after which the Caribbean side will continue their journey to Antigua. However, neither team has officially confirmed the exact timing of their departures. Frustration within the West Indies camp has been visible. Head coach Daren Sammy posted “Day 6” on X on Friday, highlighting how long the team had been stranded in Kolkata since their match against India at the Eden Gardens. Earlier in the tournament, the Zimbabwe national cricket team also faced travel delays after playing their final match against South Africa on March 1 in New Delhi, before eventually departing India on March 4.

Team India (Pic credit: BCCI)

NEW DELHI: The Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has reached its decisive phase, and the latest points table leaves defending champions India with a clear equation — beat West Indies on Sunday and book a place in the semi-finals.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Group 1 witnessed a dramatic shake-up on Thursday. South Africa stormed into the last four with a commanding nine-wicket win over West Indies in Ahmedabad, chasing down 177 in just 16.1 overs. A blistering 95-run opening stand between Aiden Markram (82 not out) and Quinton de Kock (47) set the tone, while Ryan Rickelton’s unbeaten 45 sealed the deal as the Proteas finished at 177/1. The victory extended South Africa’s unbeaten run in the tournament and confirmed their semi-final berth.

India, meanwhile, kept their title defence alive with a thumping 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in Chennai. That result, coupled with South Africa’s dominance, has set up a virtual quarterfinal between India and West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday. Both teams sit on two points from two matches, making it a straight shootout for the second semi-final spot from Group 1.

T20 World Cup Super 8 Group 1 Points Table

While South Africa face Zimbabwe in their final Super 8 fixture, all eyes will be on Kolkata, where the winner of India vs West Indies will advance.In Group 2, co-hosts Sri Lanka became the first side to be eliminated after a 61-run loss to New Zealand. The Kiwis posted 168/7 before restricting Sri Lanka to 107/8, ending their campaign. England have already qualified with two wins from two matches, while New Zealand and Pakistan remain in contention.

T20 World Cup Super 8 Group 2 Points Table

With knockout spots on the line and net run rates in play, the race to the semi-finals is now at boiling point. Sunday’s India-West Indies clash promises to decide more than just two points — it will determine who keeps their World Cup dream alive.

Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza, center, with teammates leaves the ground after Sri Lanka’s inning during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo)

Captain Sikandar Raza said the strong group-stage run by the Zimbabwe at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has earned them respect, and he hopes the team can continue its run in the Super Eights against stronger opponents.Zimbabwe signalled their ability to challenge top teams by defeating Australia and Sri Lanka in Group B matches.“We keep our sights forward. If I keep our eyes on the present…I don’t think anyone gave us a chance. To win everyone’s hearts and respect, it is a good position to be in,” Raza said in the post-match presentation after his team’s win over SL.Zimbabwe now move into the Super Eights, where they will face reigning champions India, two-time champions West Indies cricket team, and 2024 finalists South Africa.But Raza said his side is not intimidated.Also read: Sikandar roars in Colombo: Zimbabwe stun Sri Lanka, fire warning shot at India
“We take one game at a time. We arrive on the 21st, and then train on the 22nd, and then it is show-time. Whatever happens, happens. If we can win two out of three games, who knows what can happen. Everyone loves an underdog story,” Raza added.Reflecting on the win over Sri Lanka, Raza said the hosts fell short of a defendable total.“When we lost the toss, all I said to the boys was if we are truly playing good cricket, why does the toss matter? I bowled, and said finger-spinners are not finding a lot of turn, so we can put them under pressure.“I came into the changing room and said they were 10 runs short (at the break). We have trained for every situation. We have the right personnel to send in at the right time. We have got all those roles clear and that is why you see the confidence in the changing room,” he said.For now, Raza said he wants to enjoy the team’s progress into the Super Eights.“We are unbeaten so far, but it is only the next game that comes into my head. Nice position to be in as a captain but I will try and enjoy at least tonight,” he said.