Uninformed and unhelpful: ICC hits back at criticism of travel arrangements amid West Asia crisis

ICC defends travel arrangements amidst West Asia crisis, emphasizing safety and feasibility amid criticism from players and media.

The ICC on Wednesday (March 11, 2026) expressed sympathy for the international players stranded in India after the T20 World Cup but lambasted "uninformed and unhelpful" suggestions that "anything other than safety" is driving the travel plans that have been thrown haywire by the West Asia conflict.

The war, which began with the American and Israeli bombing of Iran last month, has led to closure of the air space over Gulf, leaving flight schedules in chaos.

The ICC said it empathises with the stranded players, specifically from South Africa and the West Indies, but "safety, feasibility and welfare" of the teams is being carefully considered while drawing up alternate routes.

Giving details of the travel schedule, the ICC said the South African contingent will begin departing for home on Wednesday night and all the members are expected to leave within the next 36 hours.

Nine West Indies players have already left, while the remaining 16 have been booked on commercial flights departing India within the next 24 hours, said the ICC.

This was after their charter flight scheduled to take off from Kolkata was cancelled due to logistical issues.