Travel turmoil hits West Indies in Kolkata after T20 World Cup exit amid Middle East tensions

The ongoing unrest in the Middle East has disrupted international air travel, with the West Indies and Zimbabwe cricket teams stuck in India after their elimination from the T20 World Cup 2026.

West Indies were eliminated from the 2026 tournament following a five-wicket defeat to India in their Super 8 fixture in Kolkata on Sunday. Zimbabwe’s campaign ended after losing to the Men in Blue.

Although both teams were supposed to depart after last matches, the suspension of flights across Gulf airspace have interrupted major global transit routes. With several key hubs affected, including commonly used for connecting flights in the Middle East, travel plans have been thrown into disarray amid tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Cricket West Indies confirmed that it is coordinating with the International Cricket Council to organise revised travel arrangements and ensure the safety of its players and support staff. “Our foremost concern continues to be the safety and welfare of our players, coaching staff and officials,” CWI stated.

Statement from Dr. The Hon. Kishore Shallow on the West Indies Campaign at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.🌴🏏 pic.twitter.com/obxMpF2yoc

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) March 1, 2026

The ICC has acknowledged the situation and implemented backup plans for personnel who were expected to travel via Dubai for connecting flights. “Although the situation in the Middle East does not directly impact the tournament itself, the ICC recognizes that many individuals involved in the event, including players, team officials, match referees, broadcast crews and event staff, rely significantly on major Gulf transit hubs, particularly Dubai International Airport (DXB), for their onward travel home countries,” the statement read.

Zimbabwe Cricket also stated that its squad remains safe in Delhi while officials work to secure alternative routes. The team was due to fly back to Harare on Monday, but those plans were disrupted by the regional aviation shutdown.

“Zimbabwe Cricket confirms that the national men’s team is safe and in good condition in India after completing their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. The team had planned to travel back home through Dubai, however, the developing situation in the Middle East has interrupted major transit routes, resulting in changes to their original travel arrangements,” ZC stated.

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