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West Indies and Zimbabwe remain in India, along with the semifinalists at the India and Sri Lanka-cohosted World Cup.
Published On 3 Mar 2026
The West Indies and Zimbabwe cricket squads and support staff at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have been stranded in India, unable to leave because of airspace closures and travel chaos caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Both sides exited the tournament on Sunday at the end of the Super Eights stage and had been scheduled to fly home from India via the United Arab Emirates.
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But after Iran responded to attacks by the United States and Israel on Saturday by firing missiles and drones across the Gulf region, thousands of flights have been cancelled in the busy hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
“The Zimbabwe senior men’s team remains safe and well in India,” Zimbabwe Cricket said in a statement late on Monday.
“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.”
Cricket West Indies said it was “working closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC), relevant governmental authorities and airline partners to secure the earliest possible safe travel arrangements for the squad and support staff”.
The ICC has its headquarters in Dubai, UAE, where the airport was damaged and numerous explosions have been reported in the last couple of days.
The cricket world governing body said it had activated comprehensive contingency plans to safeguard everyone associated with the T20 World Cup.
Defending champions and tournament cohosts India, England, South Africa and New Zealand all remain in India for the semifinals.
Sri Lanka, who were the other host nation, staged their final matches of the tournament in the Super Eights stage, which concluded on Sunday.
South Africa face New Zealand at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in the first semifinal on Wednesday, while England take on India at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.
The final will be played in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
