Tension has increased significantly in the Middle East after Israel and the United States attacked Iran on Saturday. This situation has also affected regional air services.
Sports News: The impact of increasing military tension in the Middle East is now visible on international sporting events as well. The Zimbabwe cricket team participating in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is facing delays in returning home after the tournament ends. According to reports, the Zimbabwe team was to leave from Delhi to Dubai and then to Harare on Monday by an Emirates Airlines flight. However, their travel plans have been affected due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran and the closure of regional airspace.
Airspace closed in West Asia, travel disrupted
In recent developments, following the attacks on Iran by Israel and America, many countries in West Asia temporarily closed their airspace due to security reasons. This has affected flight movement at major transit hubs including Dubai. Zimbabwe team has become the first team in the T20 World Cup to be affected by this crisis.
Due to cancellation of flights and route changes at Dubai Airport, the team has to stay in India for the time being. Tournament organizers are now making efforts to ensure the safe return of players through alternative routes and other airlines.
The plan was to return to the batch
According to sports media reports, the team was to return home in a phased manner. Some players also left early on Monday, but the remaining players were to leave after the final match against South Africa. All were booked on Emirates flights, which went from Delhi to Dubai and then to Harare.
Due to closure of airspace, changes in travel routes are now being considered. This situation is not limited to Zimbabwe but may also impact the comeback plans of other teams.
The coach responded
When Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons was asked about the team’s travel schedule, he said that at present he has not received any clear information. His focus was entirely on the final match of the tournament and updates on travel were awaited. His statement shows that the team management is also waiting for official instructions till the situation becomes clear.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan national cricket team has reached Lahore via Sri Lanka after concluding its Super-8 stage campaign. The team returned via Colombo on a Sri Lankan Airlines flight. However, international flights have been significantly affected due to regional tensions. Many airlines have had to either cancel flights or adopt alternative routes, increasing both travel time and costs.
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