The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has begun to impact preparations for IPL 2026, with Kolkata Knight Riders among the teams facing disruptions as the tournament draws closer.
According to a report by The Crichub, several key KKR players — Sunil Narine, Cameron Green, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen — along with Rachin Ravindra and Rovman Powell have been affected by flight complications linked to the US-Israel-Iran war.
Support staff have also encountered travel challenges. Mentor Dwayne Bravo, who took over the role following Gautam Gambhir after the franchise’s IPL 2024 triumph, as well as power coach Andre Russell, have faced off-field logistical hurdles.
Travel delays add to KKR concerns
Among the players, Narine is still waiting to secure a UK transit visa, while the arrival of New Zealand players Seifert, Allen and Rachin has reportedly been pushed back until March 19 due to flight disruptions.
Cameron Green, KKR’s INR 25.2 crore signing, is expected to join the squad on March 20 for similar reasons. Powell and Russell are likely to reach the camp by March 24, while Bravo had to reroute his journey through Europe because of the prevailing tensions in the region.
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KKR are already dealing with multiple uncertainties ahead of the new season. The franchise remains unsure about the fitness status of their INR 18-crore acquisition Matheesha Pathirana for the upcoming edition. Another major signing, Mustafizur Rahman, is also unavailable owing to the current geopolitical situation between India and Bangladesh.
With further delays in player arrivals caused by Middle East tensions, preparations could become more challenging for the Kolkata-based side as IPL 2026 approaches. The tournament is set to begin on March 26, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru.
KKR’s initial IPL 2026 fixtures
As the BCCI has so far released only the first 20 matches due to Assembly election scheduling concerns, KKR are aware of their opening set of opponents.
The franchise will start their campaign on March 29 against five-time champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. They will then host three consecutive fixtures at Eden Gardens, taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants on April 2, April 6 and April 9 respectively. All four matches are scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM.
Manvinder Bisla appointed head of scouting
Meanwhile, KKR have strengthened their support structure by appointing former player Manvinder Bisla as head of scouting ahead of the new season.
Bisla, who played a match-winning knock of 89 off 48 balls against MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2012 final in Chennai, will take on the new role, as confirmed by head coach Abhishek Nayar.
