By Admin 
The effect of increasing tension in West Asia between T20 World Cup 2026 is now visible on the travel of cricket teams as well. The Zimbabwe team, which has been eliminated from the tournament, is currently forced to stay in India as their plans to return home have been put on hold due to the impact on the operations of Dubai Airport.
In its last match of the Super-8 stage, Zimbabwe had to face defeat against South Africa. With this defeat, the team’s journey in the T20 World Cup had ended and the players were preparing to return home. Many players of the team led by captain Sikandar Raza had to reach Zimbabwe via Dubai via different flights from Delhi.
Circumstances changed suddenly, travel plans postponed
But the situation changed suddenly. Following the increase in tension between Israel and Iran in West Asia, the schedules of many flights from Dubai Airport have been affected. Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons said that in view of the current situation, the team’s travel planning has been postponed for the time being. He said that this situation is definitely mentally challenging for the players, but on the field their entire focus was on the match.
The team’s all-rounder Graeme Creamer lives in Dubai, so the situation remains uncertain for him too. Most of the players of the Zimbabwe team had to travel further by taking a connecting flight from Dubai, which is no longer possible.
ICC is working on alternative arrangements
Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has also taken this matter seriously. The board has indicated that alternative flights are being arranged to safely transport the players and support staff to their country. According to reports, the team can also be brought back via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Impact is visible on other teams too
On the other hand, Shukri Conrad, the head coach of the South African team which is going to play the semi-finals against New Zealand, also admitted that the current situation has become a topic of discussion among the players. However, he expressed confidence that the team management and ICC will find a solution to this problem soon. This war away from the cricket field is now affecting the players’ travel, and the Zimbabwe team’s return home is currently stuck in wait.