'This isn't right': Michael Vaughan fumes as South Africa, West Indies remain stuck in India

NEW DELHI – A week after their World Cup dreams ended, two international squads are still holed up in Kolkata, and the delay has ignited a firestorm of criticism led by former England captain Michael Vaughan.

West Indies were eliminated from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on 1 March, South Africa followed on 4 March, yet neither side has managed to leave the country. England, knocked out on 5 March, were airborne inside 36 hours, a discrepancy Vaughan blasted on social media.

“Just to let you all know that the West Indies got knocked out of the World Cup on March 1st .. it’s now March 9th .. they are still stranded in Kolkata .. SA are in the same position .. !!!!!!!!!!!! This isn’t right … England got on a charter 36 hrs after being knocked out .. as should be the case for all teams ..” the former skipper wrote.

Players have added their voices to the chorus of concern. Quinton de Kock, David Miller and West Indies coach Daren Sammy have all questioned why their squads remain grounded.

Tournament organisers insist no team is receiving preferential treatment. The International Cricket Council and Cricket West Indies say airspace restrictions triggered by heightened tensions across the Middle East – involving the United States, Israel and Iran – have closed or limited several Gulf flight corridors. Routes to the United Kingdom can skirt the most sensitive zones via northern passages, allowing England’s charter a clearer path home. Flights to the Caribbean and southern Africa, however, transit closer to the restricted areas, forcing cancellations and forcing operators to secure hard-to-obtain overflight permits. One charter arranged for the West Indies was scrubbed after approvals failed to materialise.

With no immediate resolution in sight, both teams remain in Kolkata, their departure timetable still uncertain.