Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Cricket yesterday indicated they were in constant engagement with the International Cricket Council to ensure the Chevrons will travel safely home from India after political instability in parts of the Gulf region caused the closure of air spaces and affected flight schedules.
The Chevrons, who are due to get a heroes’ welcome back home after reaching the Super Eight stage for the first time at the ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, have been forced to delay their travel arrangements.
This comes as the US and Israel traded air strikes with Iran, whose counter-attacks on US military installations around the Gulf affected airspace in the global business hub of Dubai.
Zimbabwe were due to fly out through the region on their way back home after a dream tournament.
“Zimbabwe Cricket 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,” said ZC in a statement yesterday.
“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 International Cricket Council has activated contingency measures and is working with international carriers to secure alternative travel arrangements.
“ZC remains in constant communication with the ICC and team management on the ground to ensure the squad’s safe and timely return. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
Zimbabwe players, officials and a group of travelling supporters were the first team to be affected by the disturbances in the Middle East region.
As a result, the organisers have been looking at alternative routes. Originally, the team was due to leave early yesterday in three batches, but by yesterday there was no information on the revised travel plans.
The International Cricket Council revealed at the weekend that they were “closely monitoring the evolving situation” in the Middle East and have “activated comprehensive contingency plans” to safeguard the travel, logistics and well-being of all stakeholders associated with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, currently underway in India and Sri Lanka.
While the crisis in the Middle East has no direct bearing on the conduct of the tournament, the ICC acknowledged that a significant number of personnel — including players, team management, match officials, broadcast teams, and event staff — rely on Gulf hub airports, particularly Dubai, as key transit points for onward travel to their home countries upon concluding their commitments at the event.
“The safety and well-being of every individual connected to our event is the ICC’s highest priority,” said an ICC spokesperson.
“We have already mobilised our travel, logistics and security teams and are working around the clock to ensure that all stakeholders can return home safely, with minimal disruption.
“We would also urge fans who have travelled or were planning to travel for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 to monitor closely and adhere to advisories being issued and consider all factors before undertaking any further inter-national travel.”
Zimbabwe ended their campaign on Sunday with a five-wicket defeat to neighbours South Africa in their last Super Eight match.
But they exited the World Cup with heads high, having progressed to the Super Eight for the first time. It may not have been a fairytale finish for them, but Zimbabwe have been the story of the tournament so far.
Having missed out on the 2024 edition, the African side recorded their best finish at a T20 World Cup as they reached the Super Eight as group toppers in this year’s event.
“I’m incredibly proud of this bunch of boys,” Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, who was named the Player of the Match against South Africa for his all-round display — 73 runs and 3/29 — told ICC Media.
“Not many teams or people gave us a chance. The ultimate goal for me and for my team was to earn respect. The fans and the crowd coming up for this so-called dead rubber and supporting Zimbabwe — it tells you that we are going home with a lot of respect, and once you have gained that respect, I can hold my head high with my teammates and go home proudly.”
After failing to make the cut for the previous edition, Zimbabwe secured their T20 World Cup 2026 spot through the Africa regional qualifiers. At this year’s World Cup, they signalled their intent with a dominant win over former champions Australia. Zimbabwe then defeated co-hosts Sri Lanka to finish atop Group B, unbeaten.
However, they fell short in each of the three Super Eight matches — against West Indies, India and lastly South Africa.
“It has been a beautiful World Cup for Zimbabwe,” Raza said.
“The lessons we have taken in the Super Eight has been a real eye-opener. We now know the combinations that we need. We now know what needs to be done for us to be a mid-table team to start with. We have now learned how tough it is at times to travel and play but we know now how to manage.”
One of the finds of the tournament has been Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett.
The 22-year-old is currently the second-highest run-scorer at the World Cup with 292 runs. In the six matches he played, he was dismissed only twice, earning him an incredible average of 146.
His highest score was the unbeaten 97 against India, even though his team failed to chase a mammoth 257 against the defending champions.
“When we had Brian Bennett sometime back, we could tell that this boy is going to be special, but I can put my hand on my heart and tell you I never thought his improvement will be as swift,” said Raza.
“All the credit goes to Bennett for how he has rocked up into this tournament and how consistent he has been. He’s every captain’s dream because he’s an opener. If you have a good opener who’s consistent, it takes half of your problems away.”
It is an important period of play for Zimbabwe as they will co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup, along with South Africa and Namibia. Their Super Eight finish has also guaranteed them a spot at the 2028 T20 World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand. To prepare for the challenge ahead, Raza believes Zimbabwe will have to leave home comforts and embrace travel travails.
“I’m a big believer of that — the lessons you learn when you’re touring as a country are far more valuable than sometimes playing at home,” he said.
