Zimbabwe Cricketers Depart Home After T20 World Cup Amid Travel Disruptions

After a commendable performance in the T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe's cricket team faced unexpected travel disruptions due to the closure of Gulf airspace. Following the ICC's intervention, the players have begun their journey back home, with the first group departing from India. Initially scheduled to leave earlier, the team had to adjust their travel plans due to ongoing conflicts in the region. The situation has also affected other teams, including the West Indies, leaving fans eager for updates on their travel arrangements. Read on for more details about their journey home.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 11:45 IST

Zimbabwe's Cricketers Return Home Post T20 World Cup

A group of Zimbabwean cricketers has finally begun their journey back home after their T20 World Cup campaign concluded, following the ICC's intervention to adjust their travel plans due to the ongoing conflict affecting Gulf airspace.

Zimbabwe had a remarkable run in the T20 World Cup, achieving victories against both Australia and Sri Lanka, which allowed them to reach the Super Eights stage. However, their journey ended there as they were eliminated last week.

Initially scheduled to depart on March 2, the team found themselves stranded in Delhi due to the closure of airspace in the Gulf, a situation triggered by recent US and Israeli military actions in Iran. The first group of players managed to leave for home on Wednesday on alternative flights.

In a statement shared on X, Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed, “The Zimbabwe senior men’s team participating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is en route back to Harare after the ICC arranged new travel plans due to recent disruptions.”

The board further explained, “Due to changes in flight availability and routing, the squad will return in phases. The first group departed India today, while the last group is expected to leave on Friday afternoon.”

Originally, the team was set to fly to Harare via Dubai on an Emirates flight, but this plan was modified. Reports indicate that they are now traveling through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to reach their destination.

Similarly, the West Indies cricket team is also facing travel delays in India for the same reasons, but there have been no updates regarding their travel arrangements as of yet.