Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Zimbabwe’s return from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been delayed after airspace closures across parts of West Asia disrupted their travel plans from India.Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed on Monday that the squad remains in Delhi, adding that all players and support staff are safe while fresh arrangements are being made.
“Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirms that the Zimbabwe senior men’s team remains safe and well in India following the conclusion of their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. The squad was scheduled to return home via Dubai, but travel plans have been affected by the evolving situation in the Middle East, which has disrupted key transit routes,” Zimbabwe Cricket stated.“The International Cricket Council (ICC) has activated contingency measures and is working with international carriers to secure alternative travel arrangements. ZC remains in constant communication with the ICC and team management on the ground to ensure the squad’s safe and timely return,” it added.Zimbabwe played their final match of the tournament against South Africa on Sunday and were due to fly back to Harare on Monday via Dubai.The team had been booked on Emirates flights from Delhi to Dubai and onward to Harare, with players and support staff scheduled to travel in batches starting early Monday morning.However, rising tensions in West Asia triggered widespread airspace closures, forcing airlines to suspend or reroute several flights and leaving the squad temporarily stranded in India. Authorities are now exploring alternative routes and carriers.The disruption comes amid missile exchanges involving the United States, Israel and Iran, prompting several West Asian nations to temporarily shut their airspace. The situation has impacted multiple international carriers and major transit hubs, including Dubai — a key connection point for teams travelling home after the tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
