NEW DELHI: Zimbabwe’s return from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been postponed after airspace closures in parts of West Asia disrupted their travel plans from India.Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed on Monday that the team remains in Delhi, adding that all players and support staff are safe while new arrangements are made.
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“Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirms that the Zimbabwean 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 due to return home via Dubai but travel plans have been affected by the developing situation in the Middle East which has disrupted key transit routes,” Zimbabwe Crick said“The International Cricket Council (ICC) has activated emergency measures and is working with international carriers to arrange alternative travel arrangements. ZC remains in constant communication with the ICC and on-site team management to ensure the safe and timely return of the squad,” he added.Zimbabwe played their final match of the tournament against South Africa on Sunday and were due to fly back to Harare via Dubai on Monday.The team has been booked on Emirates flights from Delhi to Dubai and on to Harare, with players and support staff scheduled to travel in batches from Monday morning.However, rising tensions in West Asia prompted widespread airspace closures, forcing airlines to suspend or divert several flights and temporarily stranding the team in India. Authorities are now investigating alternative routes and carriers.The disruption comes amid a missile exchange involving the United States, Israel and Iran, prompting several West Asian countries to temporarily close their airspace. The situation affected several international carriers and major transit hubs, including Dubai – a key connection point for teams traveling home after the tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
