The International Cricket Council (ICC) has come up with an update on the return of South Africa and the West Indies to their homes after the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

South Africa and West Indies players were stuck in India

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 ended on March 8, which India and Sri Lanka jointly hosted, while India hosted all the knockouts of the tournament. West Indies were eliminated from the Super Eights, while South Africa lost the Semi-final against New Zealand. Both ended their tournament journeys in India but couldn't return home due to the ongoing military conflict in West Asia. 

Meanwhile, England, who lost to the hosts India in the second Semi-final, have returned to their home on time. Even South Africa and the West Indies have reportedly blamed the ICC for giving preference to the English team over them. However, the ICC has denied the allegation, as the global governing body has made the decisions after assuring safety, feasibility, and welfare.

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Final travelling parties have safely departed for home

Now, we have got an update. According to the report, the final travelling parties of South Africa and the West Indies have safely departed for home. Earlier this week, nine Caribbean players left for their homes. The ICC has also confirmed that the complex travel strategy was done to ensure their safe travel amid an unrest situation.

ICC Update:
Final travelling parties of South Africa (29 members) and West Indies (16 members) have safely departed for home following the T20 World Cup 2026.
ICC says the complex travel operation was completed despite challenging global travel conditions. 🏏✈️ #T20WorldCup2026

— Ankan Kar (@AnkanKar) March 12, 2026

Amid tensions in West Asia, India is preparing to begin the IPL 2026, which has been scheduled to start on March 28. Top foreign players are ready to join their respective franchises before the beginning of the new IPL season. 

The historic board meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) at Doha in Qatar has reportedly been called off due to the ongoing military conflict in West Asia. 

ICC board meeting called off in Qatar

Qatar is set to host its first ICC board meeting, which has been scheduled for late March 2026, between March 25 and 27. While the nation has experienced recent immense growth in the sport, the ICC has reportedly called off the upcoming meeting due to limited flights available in the country amid a tense situation in West Asia.

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Key discussions

It was going to be a crucial ICC board meeting where ICC Board Directors, Chief Executives, Committee members, and ICC senior leadership would be present. Some of the important meeting agendas were future global broadcasting rights, while the ICC and JioStar will end in 2027, along with the next Future Tour Programme (2027-2031) and qualification for the LA 2028. 

According to the latest ESPNcricinfo report, the financial committee meeting will be conducted virtually over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, there is a possibility of an in-person meeting in April; however, the situation will determine whether this meeting can be confirmed over the next few weeks. 

As West Asia faces military conflict, it has already affected the international cricket schedule too. The white-ball series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates, starting on March 13, is likely to be postponed indefinitely.

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has already etched its name in history, because it has become the most-watched tournament edition in history. The landmark achievement was revealed by Jay Shah, chairman of the International Cricket Council, who confirmed that viewership in India alone has crossed the remarkable 500 million mark.

Shah used social media to explain that the cricket milestone showed how the sport had expanded its global reach while Indian fans displayed their overwhelming dedication to the sport. He also revealed that concurrent streaming on JioHotstar reached a peak of 60.5 million viewers during the tournament - another record in the competition’s history.

The 2026 edition has delivered impressive digital growth even before the knockout matches begin. According to ICC data, the tournament has already surpassed the total number of users and watch-time minutes recorded during the entire 2024 T20 World Cup on ICC’s official streaming platform.

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Digital surge and global reach power T20 World Cup success

The ICC.tv site has experienced a 28 percent rise in unique users since the last edition, while viewers have spent 56 percent more time watching the platform. The tournament has established extensive global audience reach through its television broadcasts and digital stream services.

Social media platforms have experienced increased user interactions. The ICC digital channels have already reached over 10 billion video views for the event, which is expected to exceed the 16 billion mark established during the 2024 tournament.

India and Sri Lanka are currently co-hosting the competition, which began with 20 teams and has progressed to its semi-final stage. India, the defending champions, will compete against England, South Africa, and New Zealand for the championship title.

ICC officials anticipate that tournament records will continue to be broken as the competition approaches its final matches.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been closely Monitory the situation in the Middle East and has activated a second contingency plan to safeguard the travel, logistics, and the well-being of all the stakeholders, who are associated with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is currently ongoing in India and Sri Lanka and is scheduled to end on March 08.

The crisis in the Middle East has no direct bearing on the conduct of the competition. But despite that situation, the ICC has acknowledged that a significant number of personnel, including the players, team management, match officials, broadcast team, and event staff, who rely on the Gulf hub airports, particularly Dubai, as the key transit points to their home countries after completing their commitments at the event.

See Also: Major decision incoming? Sri Lanka star likely to act after early T20 World Cup 2026 exit

The reports of the Press Trust of India (PTI) have reckoned that the ‘Dubai-based ICC working on alternate flight plans for players and officials returning from T20 World Cup after US strikes on Iran.’ Only a handful of games are left before the completion of the tournament.

ICC monitors Iran conflict amidst ongoing T20 World Cup 2026

In the ongoing tournament, the runners-up from the previous season of the event, South Africa, under the leadership of Aiden Markram, have already qualified for the semifinal of the event as they remain unbeaten in the campaign, having beaten some of the strong teams, including West Indies, India, and New Zealand, in Ahmedabad.

Dubai-based ICC working on alternate flight plans for players and officials returning from T20 World Cup after US strikes on Iran

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 28, 2026

Meanwhile, India and the West Indies will meet each other for the last Super 8 clash of the event as the game will take place on March 01 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The winner will make it to the semifinal of the competition and will face England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

On the other hand, South Africa will be up against one of Pakistan or New Zealand in the semi. If Pakistan gets the better of Sri Lanka in the Super 8, then they will face the Proteas at the R. Premadasa Stadium in the second semifinal. Otherwise, the first semifinal will take place in Kolkata.

Post a frustrating defeat against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Afghanistan, Afghanistan has received another bad news as their star all-rounder, Mohammad Nabi, has been fined 15 percent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct in the first innings of the fixture.

Mohammad Nabi was found to have breached Article 2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which is related to the ‘disobeying an umpire’s instruction during the international encounter.’ The incident took place at the beginning of the 14th over of the innings, where Nabi got engaged in a fiery discussion with the umpires.

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The root of the issue was the wristband worn by the Protea pacer, Lungi Ngidi. The pacer started with the yellow colored wrist band before the sweat and humidity faded its yellowish color and made it nearly a white wrist band, which created a problem for Nabi in finding the ball from the hand of the bowler.

Mohammad Nabi fined after SA vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026 clash 

Aiden Markram discussed with the umpire and Nabi, who was reluctant not to continue the game, unless or until Ngidi takes it off. The lanky pacer eventually crossed the ball from his right hand to the left and started the over. Nabi was right in his way, with the white wrist band making it difficult for the batters to sight the white ball.

The veteran all-rounder later admitted the offence and accepted the sanction, which was proposed by David Gilbert of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees. That means there will not be any requirement for a formal hearing, as Nabi got his first demerit point in the 24 months.

The close encounter in Ahmedabad ended in two super overs. The first super over was drawn, thanks to the last ball six by Tristian Stubbs before Keshav Maharaj held his nerve against Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who kept the hopes alive for the Afghanistan side with three successive sixes, to pocket the nervy victory.

Late on February 09, the Pakistan Government changed its stance and allowed their cricket team to feature in the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India, scheduled to take place on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo. It prevented a $174 million revenue loss for the International Cricket Council (ICC), as the reports have claimed.

The cumulative loss would have been the combination of broadcasters, gate money, and the other sponsorships. It was confirmed that India would play Pakistan next Sunday, and minutes after that, the prices for the Mumbai-Colombo-Mumbai round trip were increased to 10000 to 60000.

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"The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasses. In view of the outcomes achieved in discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National cricket team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixtures.” The government of Pakistan expressed in a statement.

ICC saves $174 million after India vs Pakistan T20 WC 2026 clash gets green signal

India have started their T20 WC campaign with a victory against the United States of America and will face Namibia in Delhi for the second encounter, while Pakistan faces the USA on their second clash after earning a nervy victory against the Netherlands in Colombo.

“The Government further noted the statement by BCB President, Mr. Amin ul Islam. The profound gratitude expressed by our brotherly nation is received with great warmth. Pakistan reaffirms that it stands shoulder to shoulder with Bangladesh. This evening, the Prime Minister held a telephone call with H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka.” The Pakistan government explained.

“The Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, has been formally briefed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, regarding the outcomes of high-level deliberations held between the PCB, representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).” The statement added.

The Pakistan government earlier allowed their national cricket team to feature in the entire T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, but didn’t give them the green signal to be part of the clash against arch-rivals India, which is scheduled to take place on February 15 at the R Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

However, less than a week before the marquee event, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), after they met with International Cricket Council (ICC) in the presence of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president in Lahore, requested to return in bilateral ties with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in which case only they will take the field against the defending champions.

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Although the current status claims that the request for the bilateral series between these two countries has been rejected. The two sides met each other in a bilateral series in 2012 when the Pakistan side toured India for the white-ball formats, while India’s last trip to Pakistan came during the Asia Cup 2008. Since then, the two sides have participated only in ICC events.

No bilateral series between India and Pakistan decided ahead of T20 WC 2026 meeting

During the bilateral series request, the PCB wanted the ICC to schedule Test matches against India in the World Test Championship (WTC) for the next cycle, which is not going to happen now. The global body was also asked to share a bigger revenue with the PCB, along with continuing the handshake between the India and Pakistan players.

Notably, during the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Indian players didn’t shake hands with the opposition after the end of the game. The same picture also took place at the toss when Suryakumar Yadav didn’t shake hands with the opposite number, Salman Ali Agha.

Both Pakistan and India made a shaky yet winning start to their T20 WC campaigns as they broke the jail against the Netherlands and the United States of America (USA) respectively in Colombo and Mumbai. Before they lock horns, India will take on Namibia while Pakistan faces the USA.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written an email to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to impose the ‘Force Majeure’ in their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India, which is scheduled to take place on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo. They refused to play that particular clash after the Bangladesh side was omitted from the event due to their refusal to travel in India.

Days after the PCB’sletter, the governing body sought an explanation from the country on how the ‘force majeure’ can be invoked to justify the team’s refusal to play a particular clash of an ICC event. After the legal warning from the ICC, the PCB has reached out to the cricketing body to resolve the issue.

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The Force Majeure is a French phrase, which means the superior or greater force, which is a provision that excuses a party from fulfilling its obligation due to events beyond its control, like a war, natural disasters, government actions, or public emergencies.

Pakistan talks on forfeited India clash from T20 WC 2026

India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has already addressed that they would follow the schedule and travel to Colombo for the Pakistan clash and will have the practice session, along with the media interactions.

“Mindset is pretty clear. We haven't said no to the game. The ICC has decided on a neutral venue. We are going to Colombo for sure. We don't know about others. We will play the match on the 7th and go to Colombo then. Every team is good here, so it's important to play good cricket. Very relieved to get back to form and score runs. We want to control the way we want to play; dew is not in our control.” Suryakumar expressed.

“Their decision is not in my control. We played them 3 times in the Asia Cup; we won and were happy. If we get the opportunity to play in Colombo, we will play them. It's not my call. If the decision is coming from the government, then I can't do anything about it. The fixtures are ready, and we will go to Colombo.” The Indian captain addressed.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the star list of commentators on the eve of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, beginning on February 07. The roster included the name of Naseer Hussain, who made a controversial statement on the ongoing India vs Pakistan relationship after the PCB forfeited the clash against India on February 15 in Colombo.

The commentary list includes some of the other star members behind the microphone. South Africa’s Test and ODI captain, Temba Bavuma, who commented in the U19 World Cup 2026 in Zimbabwe and Namibia, is part of the list along with Sri Lanka’s Angelo Matthews.

See Also: Star RCB player gets ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026

“The only question all sides ask for is consistency. Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India must be treated the same. Yes, India fans may say, ‘Cry more, we have the money!’ But with power comes responsibility. Constantly knocking Bangladesh or Pakistan diminishes their cricket. That’s why the great games between India and Pakistan or India and Bangladesh have become one-sided over time.” Hussain said on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast.

ICC reveals T20 World Cup 2026 commentary panel

The opening game of the event will be between Pakistan and the Netherlands on February 07 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, before Scotland takes on West Indies in the afternoon fixture at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The defending champions, India, will begin their campaign, under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, against the United States of America in the evening at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

List of commentators for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Ravi Shastri, Nasser Hussain, Ian Smith, Ian Bishop, Aaron Finch, Dinesh Karthik Kumar Sangakkara, Samuel Badree, Robin Uthappa, Carlos Brathwaite, Eoin Morgan, Wasim Akram, Sunil Gavaskar, Matthew Hayden, Ramiz Raja, Dale Steyn, Michael Atherton, Waqar Younis, Simon Doull, Shaun Pollock, Katey Martin, Harsha Bhogle, Mpumelelo Mbangwa, Natalie Germanos, Danny Morrison, Alan Wilkins, Ian Ward, Mark Howard, Nick Knight, Athar Ali Khan, Kass Naidoo, Bazid Khan, Raunak Kapoor, Niall O’Brien. Preston Mommsen, Andrew Leonard, Russel Arnold, Roshan Abeysinghe, Angelo Mathews, Temba Bavuma

A day after the Pakistan government announced that their cricket team won’t feature in the clash against India, scheduled to feature on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo, their former captain and premier all-rounder, Shahid Afridi, has reacted to the news through his viral post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The former member of the Pakistan 2009 T20 World Cup-winning team challenged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prove itself as impartial and fair to every member. This stance from the PCB came after the ICC decided to boycott Bangladesh from the event due to their refusal to travel to India.

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“I’ve always believed cricket can open doors when politics closes them. It’s regrettable that Pakistan won’t play India at the #T20WorldCup, but I stand behind my government’s decision. This is the moment for @ICC to lead and prove through decisions, not statements, that it is impartial, independent, and fair to every member.” Afridi expressed on his viral X post.

Shahid Afridi expresses his view on Pakistan’s refusal to play India in T20 WC 2026

Pakistan is in the same group with India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States of America (USA) as they play the curtain raiser against the Dutch side on February 07 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. In case of forfeiting the India game, they will get a massive penalty in the net run-rate, as a defeat against the other three games could see them getting disqualified. 

Ladies and Gentlemen Mr Shahid Afridi- Cousin of Shaquib Afridi, a commander of the terrorist group Harkat-ul-Ansar who was killed by the Indian forces in J&K India. pic.twitter.com/gL9oGwCTS1

— Meru (@MeruOnX) February 2, 2026

“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.” The Pakistan government posted its views on X.

The ICC has asked the PCB to change this stance from their government and take a mutually accepted decision which will be in favor of the stakeholders and the broadcasters, as the India vs Pakistan game always holds a lucrative revenue in that department.