The West Indies and Zimbabwe cricket teams have postponed their return from India after being eliminated from the T20 World Cup because widespread Gulf airspace closures grounded thousands of flights. West Indies lost to India by five wickets and missed the semi-finals; Zimbabwe exited after three Super Eights defeats. Both boards are coordinating with the ICC and airlines to arrange safe onward travel, with many players originally scheduled to transit via Dubai.
T20 Exit Leaves West Indies, Zimbabwe Stranded in India After Gulf Airspace Closures
An empty arrivals area at the Dubai International Airport, following the United States and Israel strikes on Iran, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 2, 2026. Picture taken using a mobile phone. REUTERS/Raghed Waked
The West Indies and Zimbabwe cricket teams have postponed their return from India after elimination from the ICC Men's Twenty20 World Cup, citing international airspace closures that have grounded thousands of flights across Gulf transit hubs.
Flights Grounded Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
West Indies were knocked out after a five-wicket defeat to hosts India, denying them a semi-final berth, while Zimbabwe exited the tournament following three successive Super Eights losses. Both boards said squads that had planned to travel home via Dubai were unable to do so after widespread cancellations across Gulf carriers.
"The Zimbabwe men's team remains safe and well in India... the squad was scheduled to return home via Dubai,"
Zimbabwe Cricket posted on social media that it was monitoring the situation and would update supporters on travel plans.
"The safety and well-being of our players, coaches, and officials remain our highest priority,"
Cricket West Indies (CWI) said it was working with the sport's global governing body, the ICC, to arrange secure onward travel for players and staff. The ICC, which is headquartered in Dubai, said it had activated contingency plans for personnel who were due to transit through the city on their way home.
Thousands of flights were canceled across several Gulf states after airspace disruptions linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, the U.S. and Israel. The cancellations affected some of the world's busiest transit hubs and disrupted travel plans for multiple teams and officials.
Logistics And Safety Focused
Both cricket boards emphasized that player welfare remains the top priority and that travel arrangements would be adjusted only when safe, practical options were available. Officials said they were coordinating with airlines, the ICC and local authorities to secure alternative routes.
(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
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