Kamal Ghorui
MUMBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has moved to coordinate the safe return of the West Indies and Zimbabwe teams after their departures from India were delayed following their exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup. International flight disruptions triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have forced changes to travel schedules, affecting both squads. “The ICC is helping West Indies and Zimbabwe with their travel plans back home. No team is stranded. The team management of both the sides are in touch with the ICC teams. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta is in regular and close contact with the senior management at Cricket West Indies and Zimbabwe Cricket,” a source tracking the developments closely told TOI on Tuesday.
The West Indies team has been stuck in Kolkata after losing their Super Eights clash against India on Sunday, March 1. CWI stated on Monday, “Cricket West Indies (CWI) wishes to advise that the departure of the West Indies Senior Men’s Team from India, following their exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, has been delayed due to international airspace restrictions. These restrictions are a direct result of the security threats posed by military action in the Gulf Region, which has impacted several international flight routes and required airlines to adjust scheduled services for safety reasons.”“CWI is working closely with the ICC, relevant governmental authorities and airline partners to secure the earliest possible safe travel arrangements for the squad and support staff. The safety and well-being of our players, coaches, and officials remain our highest priority. The team is currently accommodated in India and remains safe and well. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as confirmed travel arrangements are finalised.”The travel chaos stems from the USA and Israel’s strike on Iran, which sparked retaliatory actions and led to widespread airspace closures across Middle East. The Dubai Airport, a critical hub for international travel, had suspended operations entirely as the conflict escalated, before resuming limited flights.
