T20 World Cup 2026: Zimbabwe players stranded in India amid Israel-Iran tensions

T20 World Cup 2026 teams face travel disruptions due to escalating Israel-Iran tensions. Zimbabwe, eliminated from the tournament, is stranded in India as Dubai Airport operations are affected, delaying their return. Captain Sikandar Raza’s squad was scheduled to fly via Dubai, but flights are canceled.

Post Published By: Sona Saini

Updated : 2 March 2026, 12:26 PM IST

Dubai Airport Disruptions Delay Zimbabwe Cricket Team’s Return Home

New Delhi: The escalating tensions in West Asia during the 2026 T20 World Cup are now impacting the travel of cricket players. The Zimbabwe team, eliminated from the tournament, is currently stranded in India. Their return plans have been hampered due to disruptions at Dubai airport. Several players from the team, led by captain Sikandar Raza, were scheduled to return to Zimbabwe from Delhi via Dubai on separate flights.

Travel plans postponed after Super-8 match

Zimbabwe lost their final Super-8 stage match against South Africa. The team was preparing to return home after the match, but the sudden escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran in West Asia disrupted the schedule of several flights at Dubai airport. Head coach Justin Samons stated that travel plans have been postponed due to the current situation.

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Mental Challenge for Players

Zimbabwe all-rounder Graeme Cremer lives in Dubai, making the situation even more uncertain for him. Most of the players were scheduled to travel via connecting flights from Dubai, which is currently not possible. The coach said that while this was mentally challenging for the players, their focus remained on the field during the match.

ICC Making Alternative Arrangements

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken the matter seriously. The board has indicated that alternative flights are being arranged to safely return the players and support staff to their home countries. According to reports, the Zimbabwe team may be returned via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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Impact on Other Teams

Meanwhile, Shukri Conrad, coach of the South African team, which is scheduled to play the semi-final against New Zealand, also acknowledged that the current situation remains a topic of discussion among the players. However, he expressed confidence that the team management and the ICC will find a solution soon. This tension away from the cricket field is now affecting the players' travel and safe return.

The Zimbabwe team is currently stranded in India and awaits their return home.