The International Cricket Council has firmly rejected accusations of preferential treatment toward England, as West Indies and South Africa remain stranded in India following their T20 World Cup exits. ICC officials insist travel disruptions stem from safety concerns related to the Middle East conflict, not bias toward any particular nation.

England returned home after their semi-final loss, but West Indies and South Africa faced significant delays as their charter arrangements fell through. The ICC maintained decisions were based solely on safety and welfare, not favoritism. Both teams have now begun the process of leaving India after an extended wait.

South Africa saw four players and five family members depart, with all 29 remaining members scheduled to leave within 24 hours. West Indies has seen nine players return home, with 16 more booked on flights in the next 12 hours. Cricket West Indies confirmed they took matters into their own hands due to "increasingly distressing" uncertainty around ICC-organized charter arrangements.