The ICC has confirmed that the Proteas and West Indies have finally left India following the T20 World Cup.

With flights having been cancelled or rerouted because of the war in the Middle East, the two squads had been left stranded.

The West Indies exited the competition on 1 March, while South Africa’s World Cup ended on 4 March after their semi-final defeat.

The West Indies’ cricket association had called the situation “increasingly distressing”.

On Thursday, the ICC issued a statement saying: “Within the past 24 hours, South Africa’s remaining 29 members and the West Indies’ final 16 members have departed on flights to their respective homelands, bringing to a close a complex operation that has taken place under exceptionally challenging global travel conditions.

“Throughout this period, the ICC’s operations and logistics teams have worked continuously with governments, airlines, charter providers, airport authorities and our member boards to navigate a number of operational disruptions caused by the evolving environment.

“Securing safe onward travel for all remaining players and staff was our sole aim and required constant adjustments as conditions changed.”

The situation sparked controversy, with claims of preferential treatment for teams like England, who departed 36 hours after their semi-final exit.

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