T20 World Cup: ICC rejects ‘bias’ claims over travel cases stemming from Iran war

Windies coach Darren Sammy has been vocal on social media throughout the issue. “I just want to go home,” he posted on Thursday. He also said: “At least an update, tell us something.”

After England’s departure was confirmed, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock said: “Funny we haven’t heard anything! It’s strange that different teams have more appeal than others.”

The West Indies, South Africa and England were to leave India via the Gulf, a situation made difficult by the Iran War and subsequent air strikes across the region.

It left England via Egypt on Saturday. The West Indies and South Africa will finally travel together on a chartered plane on Monday.

“The safety and well-being of players, support staff, officials and our workforce remains our absolute priority as we respond to the evolving situation affecting air travel across parts of the Middle East,” the ICC said.

“The current disruption of multiple airspaces has created an extremely complex and fast-moving logistics challenge.

“For example, the English team and its staff were able to fly from Mumbai without restrictions due to the route’s airspace being unaffected and flights operating as normal.

“The ICC categorically refutes any allegations of bias in this or any other case, and has fully accommodated the specific demands and conditions put forward by the teams.

“The ICC’s logistics and events teams are continuously working with governments, aviation authorities, airlines and flight providers to secure safe travel options for all participating teams and tournament staff.

“Furthermore, they and the ICC CEO have maintained a regular dialogue with ICC member representatives, board chairs and CEOs to ensure the safety of all involved in the safety of their teams and the impact of the rapidly changing situation.”