Zimbabwe’s national side has had to delay its return home following its T20 World Cup exit due to travel complications. Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed in a statement that the squad is currently in Delhi, assuring that every player and member of the support staff is safe as administrators work on fresh arrangements.
Middle-East tensions delay Zimbabwe team’s return home after T20 World Cup exit. (Hindustan Times)
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The team was scheduled to fly back to Harare with a stopover in Dubai, but escalating tensions in the Middle East derailed that route. With the initial itinerary no longer viable, the players remain in India while officials sort out an alternative path home.
"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.
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The ICC has stepped in to support Zimbabwe, putting contingency plans into action through its events and logistics teams. It is working closely with several international airlines to arrange alternative flights for the squad, ensuring they can travel safely on routes that avoid the disrupted airspace and key hubs affected by the crisis.
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The ICC has stepped in to support Zimbabwe, putting contingency plans into action through its events and logistics teams. It is working closely with several international airlines to arrange alternative flights for the squad, ensuring they can travel safely on routes that avoid the disrupted airspace and key hubs affected by the crisis.
The statement suggested that they are in constant contact with both the ICC and team management on the ground in Delhi to monitor developments and ensure the players’ needs are met amid the unexpected delay. Accommodation and other arrangements have been extended, and the squad has been advised that safety and a secure passage home remain the foremost priorities.
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"ZC remains in constant communication with the ICC and team management on the ground to ensure the squad’s safe and timely return," Zimbabwe Cricket stated.
The board has also appealed for patience from supporters, noting that the situation is fluid and dependent on wider aviation decisions beyond cricket’s control.
Zimbabwe upset Australia and Sri Lanka
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe produced memorable moments at the T20 World Cup, beating strong teams like Australia and Sri Lanka to reach the Super 8 stage. However, they found it tough against top-tier sides such as India, South Africa, and West Indies, struggling to match the quality and consistency of the tournament’s heavyweights.
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
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Home/Cricket/Zimbabwe safe in India as Middle East tensions disrupt travel plans post-T20 World Cup exit
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