New Delhi, March 4. Zimbabwe’s cricket team is finally heading home after their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign ended in disappointment, but not without hurdles. The International Cricket Council (ICC) stepped in with an alternative travel plan amid escalating tensions in West Asia disrupting original flights.
The Zimbabweans bowed out of the tournament on Sunday with a five-wicket defeat to South Africa in a crucial Super-8 clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium here. They were scheduled to depart New Delhi in three batches starting 4:30 AM Monday via Dubai on Emirates flights, connecting to Harare.
However, the Iran-Israel-US conflict led to airspace closures, canceling thousands of flights in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This threw the team’s return journey into chaos.
Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed on Wednesday that the ICC has devised a new route via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. ‘Due to flight availability and route changes, the team will return in staggered batches. The first group left India today, with the last departing Friday afternoon,’ a statement read. Updates will follow if needed.
An ICC official revealed Ethiopian Airlines will now ferry players and support staff through Addis Ababa to Harare. This mirrors challenges faced by West Indies, who also struggled post their Kolkata Super-8 exit.
Cricket West Indies is coordinating with ICC for safe returns. Despite global tensions, coordinated efforts ensure teams get home securely, highlighting cricket’s resilience against geopolitical storms.