T20 World Cup 2026: Zimbabwe Face Travel Uncertainty as Iran-Israel Conflict Shuts Middle East Airspace

Zimbabwe's T20 World Cup campaign may be over, but uncertainty now surrounds their journey home. With airspace across large parts of the Middle East shut due to the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons admitted there is still no clarity on the team's travel arrangements following their five-wicket defeat to South Africa.

The squad had originally planned to return in three separate batches via Dubai. Those plans are now in limbo.

"We had no clarity on travel plans before the start of the game. We haven't heard anything yet," Sammons said after the match.

The disruption carries added personal complications for some members of the group. Former captain Graeme Cremer, part of the support setup, resides in Dubai - a city now directly affected by regional airspace closures.

'It's in the Back of Everyone's Minds'

While Sammons insisted the team tried to keep its focus on the field, he acknowledged the situation is weighing on the squad.

"I would hope not. You still believe that the focus is on the game. But at the end of the day, it is in the back of everyone's minds about how we are going to go home. The conversations are happening in little groups," he said.

The uncertainty isn't limited to the dressing room. Members of Zimbabwe's travelling fan group, Castle Corner, who were present at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, have already altered their return plans and will now fly back via Ethiopia.

South Africa, meanwhile, must quickly shift focus to their semifinal against New Zealand. But even Proteas coach Shukri Conrad conceded the geopolitical situation is impossible to ignore.

"It comes up in every conversation. You can't wish it away. It is there," Conrad said. "With our manager and the ICC, we firmly believe that all the right decisions will be made. So, yeah, all our focus is on Kolkata and playing New Zealand on Wednesday."

For teams across the tournament, the action on the field continues. Off it, logistics and safety have suddenly become just as pressing as runs and wickets.