The International Cricket Council (ICC) has strongly denied allegations of preferential treatment after travel complications following the 2026 T20 World Cup left several teams stranded in India. While the tournament concluded on Sunday with India defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad, the logistical aftermath has sparked a major controversy.

According to a report by the BBC, the ICC insists that "logistical factors alone" determined departure timelines. This follows a period of intense scrutiny after the England squad returned home shortly after their semi-final loss on 5 March, while the West Indies and South Africa remained grounded. The West Indies had been awaiting departure since 1 March, leading head coach Daren Sammy to express his frustration on X, posting, "I just wanna go home."

Also read: ‘Even a day before the World Cup final, he contacted me’: Sanju on Tendulkar

Former England captain Michael Vaughan was among the most vocal critics, accusing the governing body of favouritism. "All teams in this situation should be treated the same," Vaughan stated, suggesting that "power at the ICC table" should not influence logistical priority.

In its statement to the BBC, an ICC spokesperson clarified that decisions were driven by "airspace availability, aircraft routing permissions, and operational safety" due to ongoing conflict in West Asia. The council explained that England’s departure from Mumbai was possible because that specific route remained unaffected.

Also read: Six sense activated: Basil Joseph calls it, Sanju Samson delivers – internet goes wild! | WATCH

Recent reports indicate that chartered flights have now been arranged, with the Caribbean and South African squads expected to depart today. The ICC reiterated that it "categorically refutes any claims of bias" and has worked to accommodate all teams under "highly complex" global constraints. (With inputs from Agencies)