ENGLAND have avoided a long journey via Dubai to get to the West Indies for the ICC World Twenty20 after the contingency plans put in place were not needed.

The International Cricket Council, charged with making travel arrangements for all teams involved in the global tournament, announced proposals on Tuesday to provide a Plan B for teams affected by the volcanic ash shutdown of UK and European airspace.

But the England team will instead fly directly from London to the Caribbean on Sunday following the lifting of restrictions on air travel.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: “I’m delighted to say that the teams will now fly to the West Indies as originally scheduled.”

England, along with seven of the other teams yet to travel for the 12-team tournament, were to be invited to fly from Dubai if it seemed likely their scheduled plane from London would be grounded on Sunday.

That would have meant a trip by sea, train and probably air to Dubai before travelling on to the West Indies.

ICC sponsors Emirates had agreed to provide the charter-flight contingency for teams, essential back-up staff and broadcast crews.

The ICC decided yesterday morning, however, that there was no need to alter the original plans.

Lorgat added: “I want to thank both Emirates and the ICC executive for working so hard to ensure that we had a back-up plan to transport teams to the Caribbean.

“Emirates continues to assist teams with their travel plans and we are extremely grateful for that support.”

England’s first warm-up match is in Barbados against Bangladesh on April 28.