South African players Quinton de Kock and David Miller have accused the International Cricket Council (ICC) of leaving their team stranded when the Iran conflict disrupted flights, questioning how England could return home before them.
Thousands of commercial flights have been canceled in countries across the Gulf due to the US-Israel war against Iran, disrupting some of the world’s busiest transit hubs.
The West Indies, eliminated last weekend after their defeat against India in the Twenty20 World Cup, have been waiting for days in Calcutta, while South Africa also remains stranded after their defeat in the semifinals against New Zealand.
England, who were eliminated after losing Thursday’s semi-final against India, left Mumbai on a charter flight on Saturday.
“How curious ICC, we haven’t heard anything! Meanwhile, England are leaving before us? The West Indies and Proteasmencsa are in the dark. It’s strange how different teams have more strength than others,” De Kock posted on Instagram.
Teammate Miller echoed the sentiment.
“Funny that England are eliminated after WI & SA and return home tonight. While WI & SA are still waiting for answers in Kolkata,” he posted.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy joined the conversation and backed Miller.
“David Miller a little louder so those in the back can hear you please sir,” Sammy wrote.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan also questioned the discrepancy in the deal.
“That’s where the power is wrong,” Vaughan wrote in X.
“All teams in this situation should be treated the same…just because you are more powerful at the ICC table should not count.”
The ICC did not immediately respond to Reuters‘request for comments.
