Post World Cup exit, Zimbabwe await route home amid airspace crisis

Zimbabwe’s T20 World Cup campaign may have ended on the field, but uncertainty now surrounds their journey back home. After completing their Super Eights commitments in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup , the team is awaiting clarity on departure plans following the closure of Dubai airport amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Most members of the Sikandar Raza led squad were scheduled to depart from Delhi in three batches starting Monday morning, with connecting flights via Dubai. However, the sudden shutdown of airspace in key Middle Eastern hubs has put those plans on hold. Head coach Justin Sammons admitted that while players tried to stay focused during their final Super Eights fixture against the South Africa national cricket team , the uncertainty over travel was difficult to completely ignore. No fresh updates had been communicated to the squad after the game.

All rounder Graeme Cremer , who is based in Dubai, also faces uncertainty over his return plans. One possible alternative being explored is rerouting via Addis Ababa.

The International Cricket Council has said it is working on alternate travel arrangements for players and officials returning from India and Sri Lanka amid the disruption.

Other teams are monitoring the situation as well. While there have been no confirmed reports of the West Indies cricket team or the Pakistan national cricket team being stranded, squads with connections through affected Middle Eastern hubs are reviewing alternate routes in coordination with the ICC.

For Zimbabwe, however, clarity on when and how they will finally head home remains the immediate concern.