The International Cricket Council has rejected accusations of preferential treatment against England after it emerged West Indies had to procure a commercial flight home following their exit from the T20 World Cup.
West Indies have been stranded in Kolkata since being eliminated from the tournament on March 1, with their travel arrangements back to the Caribbean disrupted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
England have already returned to the UK after losing in the semi-finals on March 5, but West Indies and South Africa remain stranded in India as charter flights are not available.
In a statement, the ICC denied accusations of unfairness or bias, insisting that travel delays were largely affected by the crisis affecting major transportation hubs in the Gulf region.
“The ICC rejects any suggestion that these decisions were driven by anything other than safety, feasibility, and welfare. Other suggestions across various media platforms from people unaware of the situation are as unhelpful as they are inaccurate,” the statement read.
“There is no connection between the arrangements made in the case of South Africa and the West Indies and those previously made in the case of the United Kingdom or any other country arising from different circumstances, route options and different travel conditions.
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“Throughout this period, ICC’s top priority has been the safety and welfare of all those affected, including players traveling with spouses and young children. We will not move people until we are satisfied that the travel solutions in place are safe, and that commitment remains.”
Some West Indies players and staff have already taken matters into their own hands after an “increasingly painful” wait while their ICC-arranged travel has yet to materialize.
A statement from Cricket West Indies said: “As a result of global tensions and aviation restrictions, uncertainty surrounding the ICC-sponsored Charter continues and the situation has become increasingly dire.”
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“In view of the health and safety of our players and support staff, Cricket West Indies has advised the ICC that it is no longer prudent to continue waiting in the uncertainty of a charter arrangement.
“Multiple approaches have since been taken through the CWI, players and other partners, working with the ICC, to secure commercial travel to facilitate the safe return of the team.”
On Wednesday, the ICC confirmed that the West Indies and South African cricket teams have started departing from India.
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“Four South African players and five family members have boarded the plane and are on their way home, with all remaining 29 players expected to depart within the next 24 hours,” the update said.
“Nine members of the West Indies contingent have departed for the Caribbean, while the remaining 16 have booked flights leaving India within the next 12 hours.”
