Zimbabwe Team Finally Begin Journey Home After T20 World Cup Exit Amid Middle East Airspace Disruptions

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Zimbabwe Cricket has confirmed that its men's national team has started returning home from India following travel disruptions caused by airspace closures across parts of the Middle East.

The team had been stranded after their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign ended, as escalating tensions in West Asia led to the suspension of several flight routes commonly used by teams travelling between South Asia and southern Africa.

In an official update, Zimbabwe Cricket stated that the International Cricket Council had helped secure alternative travel arrangements, allowing the squad to begin the journey back to Harare.

"Zimbabwe Cricket confirms that the Zimbabwe senior men's team participating in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 are on their way home from India after the ICC secured alternative travel arrangements following recent transit disruptions," the board said.

Zimbabwe Team to return in batches due to flight availability

Because of limited flight availability and revised travel routes, the Zimbabwe squad will return home in multiple groups rather than as a single travelling unit.

According to the board's statement, the first group of players departed India on Wednesday, while the remaining members of the touring party are expected to leave later in the week, with the final group scheduled to travel on Friday afternoon.

The disruptions were caused by the closure of several West Asian airspaces, which affected major transit hubs such as Dubai-commonly used by teams travelling between India and southern Africa.

Middle East conflict disrupts global travel routes

The travel complications emerged after US and Israeli military strikes on Iran triggered a wider aviation disruption across the region. Multiple airlines suspended operations through key Middle Eastern corridors, leading to thousands of flight cancellations and rerouting.

Zimbabwe and West Indies were among the teams affected after their T20 World Cup exits in India, with both squads initially unable to depart using their planned travel routes.

Zimbabwe had been based in Delhi following their elimination from the tournament, while West Indies remained in Kolkata after their Super Eight defeat to India at Eden Gardens.

While travel arrangements are now gradually being restored, the situation illustrates how geopolitical tensions can ripple into international sport, turning routine post-tournament travel into a logistical challenge.

Zimbabwe Cricket added that further updates will be issued if necessary as the remaining members of the squad complete their journey home.