ZIMBABWE Cricket yesterday indicated they were in constant engagement with the International Cricket Council to ensure the Chevrons will travel safely home from India after political instability in parts of the Gulf region caused the closure of air spaces and affected flight schedules.
The Chevrons, who are due to get a heroes’ welcome back home after reaching the Super Eight stage for the first time at the ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, have been forced to delay their travel arrangements.
This comes as the US and Israel traded air strikes with Iran, whose counter-attacks on US military installations around the Gulf affected airspace in the global business hub of Dubai.
Zimbabwe were due to fly out through the region on their way back home after a dream tournament.
“Zimbabwe Cricket 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,” said ZC in a statement yesterday.
“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.
“The International Cricket Council 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. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
Zimbabwe players, officials and a group of travelling supporters were the first team to be affected by the disturbances in the Middle East region.
As a result, the organisers have been looking at alternative routes. Originally, the team was due to leave early yesterday in three batches, but by yesterday there was no information on the revised travel plans.
The International Cricket Council revealed at the weekend that they were “closely monitoring the evolving situation” in the Middle East and have “activated comprehensive contingency plans” to safeguard the travel, logistics and well-being of all stakeholders associated with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, currently underway in India and Sri Lanka.
While the crisis in the Middle East has no direct bearing on the conduct of the tournament, the ICC acknowledged that a significant number of personnel — including players, team management, match officials, broadcast teams, and event staff — rely on Gulf hub airports, particularly Dubai, as key transit points for onward travel to their home countries upon concluding their commitments at the event.
“The safety and well-being of every individual connected to our event is the ICC’s highest priority,” said an ICC spokesperson.
“We have already mobilised our travel, logistics and security teams and are working around the clock to ensure that all stakeholders can return home safely, with minimal disruption.
“We would also urge fans who have travelled or were planning to travel for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 to monitor closely and adhere to advisories being issued and consider all factors before undertaking any further inter-national travel.”
Zimbabwe ended their campaign on Sunday with a five-wicket defeat to neighbours South Africa in their last Super Eight match.
