Staff Writer 
ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) has confirmed that the Chevrons’ travel plans have been affected by the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
ZC will remain in India for the foreseeable future after their final match against South Africa on Sunday.
“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.
“The International Cricket Council (ICC) 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,” said ZC in a statement.
The Zimbabwe contingent was reportedly due to return home in batches, with some leaving as early as 4.30am on Monday morning and the rest to follow later in the day.
They were booked on Emirates flights, which would take them from Delhi to Dubai and then on to Harare.
The ICC, in a statement on Saturday, said it had been monitoring the “evolving situation” and had “activated comprehensive contingency plans to safeguard the travel, logistics and well-being of all stakeholders” at the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“While the crisis in the Middle East has no direct bearing on the conduct of the tournament, the ICC acknowledges that a significant number of personnel – including players, team management, match officials, broadcast teams, and event staff – rely on Gulf hub airports, particularly Dubai (DXB), as key transit points for onward travel to their home countries upon concluding their commitments at the event,” the ICC said in a statement.
“The ICC Travel and Logistics team is actively working with major international carriers to identify and secure alternative routing options, including connections through European, South Asian and South-East Asian hubs.
“The ICC security consultants are liaising with relevant authorities and will provide real-time advisories as the situation develops.
“A dedicated ICC Travel Support Desk has also been activated.”
By Sandra Hove
