Daren Sammy's Plea Answered; South Africa, West Indies Players' Return Date Finalised

West Indies players to leave India soon [Source: X]

In a significant development, the return date of the South Africa and West Indies players from India has been finalised. It's worth noting that the T20 World Cup-bound players from the West Indies and South Africa are stuck in India due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. 

In fact, several prominent personalities from these two teams, including Daren Sammy, Quinton de Kock and David Miller, have openly expressed their frustration on social media. 

While Sammy has sought clarity through multiple posts, the South African duo of De Kock and Miller have accused the ICC of hypocrisy for prioritising the safe evacuation of England players over those of their West Indies and South African counterparts. 

South Africa, West Indies players' return was delayed

South Africa and the West Indies' squad members, including the players as well as the support staff, couldn't fly back to their homeland after getting eliminated from the T20 World Cup. Iran's ongoing war with the United States has affected several countries in the Middle East, with the airspaces being closed or limited in West Asia. 

Also read: "Send Daren Sammy To Pakistan"- Indian Fans Pound For Constant Evacuation Appeals

As a result, the players from both these countries were stuck in Kolkata, repeatedly seeking help from concerned authorities through social media. However, the prayers of these cricketers have finally been answered, as they are tipped to fly back from the Asian nation soon. 

South Africa, West Indies' T20 World Cup members to leave India on 'This' date

The West Indies head coach, Daren Sammy, has been pleading for a safe evacuation, while De Kock and Miller have questioned the ICC for special treatment of the English players.

Akeal Hosein, Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford have also expressed anguish for not being able to reunite with their loved ones upon the conclusion of their T20 World Cup campaign. 

According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, the South Africa and West Indies players will depart for their homelands on Tuesday, March 10. A charter flight will carry the players to the South African city of Johannesburg, from where the West Indies players will board another flight to Antigua. 

The development comes as a massive sigh of relief for several members of the Proteas and the Windies camp, who have been vocal about the matter on social media platforms. 

England players fly back to the UK, 3 South African cricketers to travel to New Zealand

Led by Harry Brook, England marked their exit from the tournament after suffering a narrow seven-run defeat to India in a high-stakes semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium. The English contingent left Mumbai on Saturday and will be travelling directly to London. 

Meanwhile, three South African players- Keshav Maharaj, George Linde and Jason Smith- will travel to New Zealand, having been included in the Proteas squad for the upcoming T20I series. 

The five-match T20I series starts on Sunday, March 15, at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The subsequent matches of the series will be played at Seddon Park (Hamilton), Eden Park (Auckland), SKY Stadium (Wellington) and Hagley Oval (Christchurch), respectively. 

Also read: Police Takes Massive Action Before India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 Final