Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE first batch of the Zimbabwe national cricket team players left India yesterday after the International Cricket Council secured alternative travel arrangements.
The Chevrons endured a two-day delay on their travel plans after a military conflict in the Middle East led to the closure of airspaces and disruptions in flight schedules.
But Zimbabwe Cricket yesterday confirmed the team was on its way back home, with the first batch expected to arrive today and the last group tomorrow.
“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 International Cricket Council secured alternative travel arrangements following recent transit disruptions,” said Zimbabwe Cricket spokesperson Darlington Majonga.
“Due to flight availability and revised routing, the squad will return to Harare in batches.
“The first group of players departed India today, Wednesday (yesterday), while the final group is scheduled to leave on Friday (tomorrow) afternoon.”
Initially, the Chevrons were scheduled to leave India via Dubai on Monday following their elimination from the T20 World Cup in the Super Eight stage on Sunday, but had to stay put in India.
This came as the US and Israel traded airstrikes with Iran, whose counter-attacks on US military installations around the Gulf affected airspace in the global business hub of Dubai.
The evolving situation in the Middle East has disrupted key transit routes, leaving travellers in the region stranded.
Giants West Indies national cricket team also suffered the same fate but ICC have assured safety of all the stakeholders.
Zimbabwe are now scheduled to use the Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) transit route in a revised plan. The Chevrons reached the Super Eights for the first time following a dream run in the group stages.
They finished their group games with a 100 percent record, which included famous victories over world cricket giants Australia and co-hosts Sri Lanka.
President Mnangagwa yesterday acknowledged the team’s exploits during the launch of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup football tournament.
