ICC to the rescue: England, SA, and West Indies to leave India on charter flights

The wait is finally over for the international teams stranded by the Middle East travel crisis during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. With commercial airspace over the Gulf restricted due to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, the ICC has organised a string of private charter flights to guarantee players return home safely over the next 48 hours. As per reports, England, South Africa, and the West Indies, who were stuck in India despite exiting the tournament, will leave the country this weekend.

When are they leaving?

England, the two-time champions, who faced a semi-final defeat to India in Mumbai, will not have to wait long before reaching home. They are expected to depart from Mumbai on Saturday evening.

They will take a direct flight to London from Mumbai.

Read also: 'Like having a genie:' Former South Africa captain on Jasprit Bumrah's influence on the Indian team.

In the meantime, both South Africa and the West Indies, who exited the tournament in Kolkata after their defeats to New Zealand and India, respectively, will travel together on a single charter flight, which is scheduled to leave on Sunday.

The flight will first touch down in Johannesburg to drop off the South African team and then head towards Antigua for the West Indies squad.

However, not everyone from the South African squad is heading home. A section of the Proteas team, including Keshav Maharaj and Jason Smith, will fly directly to New Zealand from India on Sunday to prepare for their white-ball tour, which will start on March 15.

Read also: 'Rely on the finer aspects': Ravi Ashwin gives tactical advice to Varun Chakaravarthy ahead of the T20 WC final.

How to watch the India vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup 2026 final match online?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup 2026 final match on JioHotstar, accessible via OTTplay Premium.