Michael Vaughan (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

New Delhi: Following their early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the West Indies national cricket team and the South Africa national cricket team have been stuck in Kolkata for over a week, drawing criticism from the former England captain. michael vaughn.Vaughan questioned why the England national cricket team managed to return home quickly while other teams remained stranded. England were eliminated on March 5 but reportedly returned home within 36 hours. Meanwhile, West Indies were eliminated on March 1 and South Africa on March 4, yet both teams were still waiting in India several days later.

Frustrated with the situation, Vaughan wrote, “Just to let you all know that West Indies were knocked out of the World Cup on March 1st.. Now it’s March 9th.. They are still stuck in Kolkata.. South Africa is in the same position..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is not right… England came on charter 36 hours after being knocked out.. As it should be for all teams..”Like players have also raised this issue quinton de kockDavid Miller and West Indies coach Darren Sammy, who have expressed concerns about the delay.However, tournament organizers say the problem is not favoritism but travel restrictions. According to the International Cricket Council and Cricket West Indies, the delay is linked to airspace restrictions due to rising tensions in the Middle East involving the US, Israel and Iran. Several flight corridors in the Bay Area have been partially closed for safety.Flights to the UK could avoid the worst-hit areas by taking the northern route, potentially allowing a quicker return to England. But routes to the Caribbean and South Africa pass close to restricted Gulf airspace, causing cancellations and permit problems. A previously planned charter flight was reportedly canceled due to lack of overflight approval.