West Indies and Zimbabwe Teams Stranded in India Due to Gulf Airspace Restrictions

The West Indies senior men’s cricket team remains stranded in India after its exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup , as international airspace restrictions and flight disruptions in the Gulf region have delayed its departure. There is no official tentative travel date yet , with team management waiting for clearer aviation clearance and alternative routing arrangements.

According to Cricket West Indies (CWI) , the delay is caused by airspace restrictions triggered by military tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran . These developments have led to suspensions and rerouting of flights across key transit corridors , particularly affecting connections through major hubs in the Middle East.

The team had lost to India in a must-win Super Eight match in Kolkata , leading to its elimination from the tournament. After the conclusion of their campaign, players and support staff were scheduled to return home via international transit routes. However, disruptions have impacted scheduled services, especially through hubs such as Dubai International Airport , where operational adjustments were reportedly made following safety concerns.

CWI stated that it is working closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and relevant authorities to secure safe and viable travel options. The board assured fans and stakeholders that it is monitoring the situation and coordinating with international carriers to finalize alternate routes. It also expressed appreciation for the patience and understanding of supporters during the delay.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s cricket team is also stranded in India under similar circumstances. Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed that its squad remains in New Delhi , as travel plans originally routed through Dubai have been affected by the evolving situation in the Middle East. The board said it is in constant communication with the ICC and team management to arrange alternative travel.

Zimbabwe had earlier lost to South Africa by five wickets in its final Super Eight match.

Officials said the teams are stuck not because of direct political involvement but due to global aviation disruptions , which have forced airlines to suspend or adjust flight schedules for safety reasons.