The Zimbabwe national cricket team is returning home from India after the International Cricket Council (ICC) arranged alternative travel plans following transit disruptions that delayed the team’s original departure after the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirmed on Wednesday that the squad led by Sikandar Raza has begun its journey back to Harare in batches after flight disruptions in the Middle East affected their travel schedule.

Zimbabwe’s campaign ended on Sunday after a five-wicket defeat to South Africa national cricket team in the Super Eights stage at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The team had originally planned to return home in three batches starting early Monday morning, taking Emirates flights from New Delhi to Dubai before connecting onward to Harare. However, travel plans were disrupted after Iran launched missiles and drones across the Gulf following strikes by the United States and Israel over the weekend. The escalation led to the closure of several airspaces in the Middle East and forced thousands of flight cancellations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“Zimbabwe Cricket confirms that the Zimbabwe senior men's team participating in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 are on their way home from India after the ICC secured alternative travel arrangements following recent transit disruptions,” ZC said in a statement.

“Due to flight availability and revised routing, the squad will return to Harare in batches. The first group of players departed India today, Wednesday, while the final group is scheduled to leave on Friday afternoon. Further updates will be issued if necessary.”

The disruptions have affected other teams as well. The West Indies national cricket team also delayed its departure from India after its campaign ended in the Super Eights in Kolkata.