Zimbabwe’s return home from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has been delayed due to air travel disruptions caused by the escalating crisis in the Middle East, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said on Monday, March 2, 2026. ZC said the squad was scheduled to return home via Dubai, but evolving security concerns in the Middle East have disrupted key transit routes. “Zimbabwe Cricket (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 board said in a statement. “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 board said the International Cricket Council has activated contingency measures and is working with international carriers to arrange alternative travel. “ZC remains in constant communication with the ICC and team management on the ground to ensure the squad’s safe and timely return,” the statement added.

The squad had initially been scheduled to return home in three batches. One of the players, Graeme Cremer, resides in Dubai with his family. Zimbabwe Cricket said it will provide further updates once alternative travel arrangements are finalized. 

The team, captained by Sikandar Raza, concluded its campaign in India after reaching the Super 8 stage of the tournament. Zimbabwe advanced to the second round unbeaten, registering notable wins over former champions Australia and Sri Lanka. Although the team lost all three matches in Group 1 of the Super 8, it exceeded expectations by progressing beyond the initial phase. Zimbabwe’s campaign ended with a five-wicket loss to South Africa in its final Super 8 match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.