Four Proteas Players Finally Head Home From India After T20 World Cup Exit

After days of uncertainty following their ICC T20 World Cup exit, a group of Proteas players and their families have finally begun the journey back to South Africa.

The International Cricket Council confirmed on Wednesday that four South African players and five of their family members have boarded flights out of India and are currently travelling home.

Among those returning are fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, rising quick Kwena Maphaka and batting star Tristan Stubbs.

Delayed Departures After World Cup Exit

The travel arrangements come more than a week after South Africa’s campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup came to an end in the semi-finals on 4 March.

While the tournament itself wrapped up days ago for the Proteas, several members of the travelling group were left stranded in India due to complex travel disruptions affecting multiple teams and delegations.

Earlier on Wednesday, the ICC acknowledged the growing frustration surrounding the delays, saying it understood the concerns raised by players and staff who had been waiting to return home.

According to the governing body, officials have been working across multiple countries and agencies to resolve the situation.

Coaching Staff Already In New Zealand

Not everyone in the South African camp remained in India.

Head coach Shukri Conrad and members of the Proteas management team departed Kolkata earlier in the week and travelled to New Zealand ahead of South Africa’s upcoming T20 series against the New Zealand national cricket team.

Players Keshav Maharaj, George Linde and Jason Smith have already joined the squad in Mount Maunganui, where the first T20 international is scheduled for Sunday.

The split travel arrangements highlight how quickly international cricket schedules move on, even after a major tournament disappointment.

More Proteas Set To Leave India

The ICC said the remaining members of the South African travelling party are expected to leave India soon.

Around 29 members of the contingent, which includes players, family members and senior officials from Cricket South Africa such as chief executive Pholetsi Moseki, are scheduled to depart within the next 24 hours.

Tournament organisers added that accommodation and other logistical arrangements for stranded groups are currently being handled by the ICC while travel solutions are finalised.

Not Only South Africa Affected

South Africa is not the only team impacted by the disruption.

The ICC also confirmed that members of the West Indies national cricket team were affected by the same travel complications.

Nine members of the Caribbean contingent have already left India for home, while the rest are expected to depart within hours. The West Indies had exited the tournament earlier, falling out during the Super Eights stage on 1 March.

For South African fans, the focus now shifts away from the World Cup and towards the next assignment, as the Proteas begin preparing for their upcoming international fixtures.

{Source:IOL}

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