Iran-Israel war hits T20 World Cup teams: West Indies, Zimbabwe unable to fly due to Middle-East conflict

Synopsis

The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict has disrupted travel plans for the West Indies and Zimbabwe cricket teams. Both squads are stranded in India after their T20 World Cup exit. International airspace restrictions across West Asia have halted flights. Airlines are rerouting or suspending services, delaying the teams' return journeys. The ICC is coordinating alternative travel arrangements.

The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict has disrupted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, leaving the West Indies and Zimbabwe cricket teams stranded in India after their exit from the tournament. International airspace restrictions across parts of West Asia have forced airlines to suspend or reroute flights, delaying the teams’ return journeys.

Flight operations in the Gulf region remain affected following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Damage has also been reported at Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest transit hubs. Both teams were scheduled to travel through Dubai.

West Indies stuck after Super Eight exit

The West Indies were due to leave India after their elimination from the tournament but could not depart because of the evolving security situation.

The team had lost to India in a must-win Super Eight match in Kolkata, ending their campaign.

In an official statement, the board said: "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," the board said in a statement.

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"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 appreciates the understanding and concern of our fans, families, and stakeholders during this time," the statement added.

Cricket West Indies said it is working closely with the ICC and relevant government authorities to ensure safe travel for players and support staff.

Zimbabwe also stranded in Delhi

Zimbabwe’s return plans have also been hit by the same airspace closures. The squad remains in Delhi after finishing its campaign.

Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed the situation in a detailed statement.

"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 had played their final match against South Africa on Sunday and were scheduled 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 set to travel in batches starting early Monday morning.

ICC activates contingency plans

The ICC has stepped in to coordinate alternative travel arrangements as airlines continue to reassess routes through the Gulf region. The situation highlights how geopolitical tensions far from the cricket field can quickly affect international tournaments. For now, both squads remain safe in India while officials work to secure new flight options.

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