Geopolitical fireworks in the Middle East are rewriting travel plans for Zimbabwe’s cricket heroes. Fresh from T20 World Cup 2026 elimination, the team can’t return home because Dubai Airport – their transit hub – is grounded following Iranian attacks.
In response to Israeli strikes, Iran unleashed assaults across the region, hitting UAE soil. Blasts rocked areas around Dubai’s key airport, forcing a full shutdown. The Zimbabweans, set to connect through there from New Delhi on Monday, are marooned in the Indian capital.
‘Players can’t brush this off easily,’ coach Justin Sammons told reporters. ‘Homebound excitement built up for Monday, but talks within the camp continue amid silence on updates until our South Africa game kicked off.’
Staying put in Delhi, the squad eyes reroutes possibly through Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa. ICC officials confirmed ongoing efforts for alternative airlifts for departing personnel.
Captain Sikandar Raza’s men thrilled fans by toppling giants like Australia and Sri Lanka in group play, securing Super 8 entry. Yet, defeats against West Indies, India, and South Africa dashed semifinal hopes. This unintended extension underscores how international conflicts ripple into sports.