‘Strange How Different Teams Have More Pull’: Quinton de Kock Hits Out At ICC As England Leave Before SA, WI

Travel disruptions triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran have delayed the departure of several teams participating in the T20 World Cup, leaving England, South Africa and West Indies temporarily stranded in India.

With commercial air routes disrupted due to security concerns in the Gulf region, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has arranged charter flights for the affected teams.

However, the situation has sparked criticism from players and former cricketers, with South Africa's Quinton de Kock questioning the ICC over what he described as unequal treatment in arranging travel for the teams.

England Set To Leave First On Chartered Flight

According to a report by news agency PTI, England are scheduled to depart India on Saturday evening from Mumbai on a direct charter flight to London. The team's exit comes after their defeat to India in the second semifinal of the tournament on Thursday.

South Africa and West Indies, whose campaigns ended earlier, are still waiting for their departure arrangements to be finalised.

West Indies were eliminated from the T20 World Cup after losing to India by five wickets at Eden Gardens on Sunday, while South Africa's campaign ended following their defeat to New Zealand in the first semifinal in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Both teams are expected to travel together on a separate charter flight from Kolkata, likely on Sunday. The flight will reportedly first land in Johannesburg before the West Indies squad continues onward to Antigua.

Quinton de Kock Questions ICC Over 'Different Pull'

South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock publicly expressed his frustration over England leaving before South Africa and West Indies despite being knocked out later in the tournament.

Taking to Instagram Stories, de Kock wrote: "Funny @icc, we have heard nothing! Meanwhile, England are leaving before us somehow? @westindies and @proteasmencsa are just in the dark! Strange how different teams have more pull than others."

His post quickly drew attention online, with fans debating whether some teams receive preferential treatment due to their influence within cricket's governing body.

West Indies Await Clearance As Airspace Restrictions Continue

Cricket West Indies confirmed earlier that efforts were underway to arrange a charter flight for the team after they remained stuck in Kolkata for more than four days because of international airspace restrictions.

In an official statement, the board said: "During a high-level call earlier today involving CWI, ICC officials, a representative of team management, and a representative of the players, it was confirmed that a charter flight is currently being arranged for the team's departure from India, with the expected departure scheduled within the next 24 hours."

It added: "The departure time remains subject to final air traffic approvals. The team remains safe and well as arrangements continue to be finalised."

The board also reassured fans that it had been in regular contact with players and ICC officials while navigating the evolving situation.

"While the situation remains complex and fluid due to international airspace restrictions arising from security concerns in the Gulf region, CWI assures the public that every precaution is being taken to ensure the safe return of the team to the Caribbean," the statement said.

Sammy And Vaughan Join Criticism Of ICC

The uncertainty over travel arrangements had already drawn criticism from West Indies head coach Daren Sammy, who earlier voiced his frustration on social media.

In one post he wrote he "just wanna go home", before later adding: "Got an update. That's all WI wanted."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan also criticised the ICC over the situation and suggested that all teams should have been treated equally.

He posted: "So England got knocked out on Thurs get a charter home today .. West Indies go out last Sunday and are still in Kolkata .. SA in the same position .. That's where the power is all wrong .. All teams in this situation should be treated the same .. just because you are more powerful at the ICC table shouldn't count .. "