Zimbabwe Cricket Team (Photo/Agencies) 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. Disruption to international flights caused by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East forced changes in timetables affecting both squads. “The ICC is helping West Indies and Zimbabwe with their travel plans back home. No team has been left stranded. The team management of both sides is in touch with the ICC teams. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta is in regular and close contact with the top management of Cricket West Indies and Zimbabwe Cricket,” a source closely following the development told TOI on Tuesday.
Can India beat England to reach the T20 World Cup final? Greenstone Lobo makes a bold prediction
The West Indies team is stranded in Kolkata after losing their Super Eights clash against India on Sunday, March 1. The CWI said on Monday: “Cricket West Indies (CWI) wishes to advise that the departure of the West Indies Senior Men’s Team from India following their withdrawal from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been delayed due to international direct airspace restrictions resulting from security restrictions in the Gulf region. Several international flight routes have been affected and airlines have been required to adjust scheduled services for security reasons.”“CWI is working closely with the ICC, relevant government authorities and airline partners to ensure safe travel is secured as quickly as possible for the team and support staff. The safety and well-being of our players, coaches and officials remains our highest priority. The team is currently housed in India and remains safe and well. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates once confirmed travel arrangements are finalised.”The travel chaos stems from a US-Israeli strike on Iran that sparked retaliatory actions and led to a widespread closure of airspace across the Middle East. Dubai Airport, a critical hub for international travel, completely suspended operations as the conflict escalated before resuming limited flights.
