Global events have cast a shadow over international cricket following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. In the early hours of February 28, the USA and Israel carried out a joint operation targeting multiple locations in Tehran, Iran’s capital. Shortly after, Iran responded with missile strikes aimed at Gulf nations hosting US bases that were reportedly used in the operation.
The escalation quickly plunged the Middle East into conflict, leading to widespread travel disruptions. With the UAE serving as one of the world’s busiest transit hubs, the closure of regional airspace has left many passengers stranded and unable to return home.
World Cup 2026 Teams Facing Travel Delays
Zimbabwe and West Indies have confirmed that they remain in India due to the airspace shutdown and will travel back once Gulf nations reopen their skies.
The Sikandar Raza-led Zimbabwe side are currently in Delhi, having originally planned to fly home via Dubai. Meanwhile, the Shai Hope-led West Indies team exited the tournament after losing to India on March 1 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Their itinerary also included a stop in the UAE before returning to the Caribbean, but they too are awaiting clearance to depart.
UAE’s Nepal Tour Uncertain
The conflict has also disrupted the United Arab Emirates cricket team’s scheduled trip to Nepal. The Muhammad Waseem-led squad was set to travel to Kathmandu on Friday, March 6, to participate in a Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series featuring Nepal and Oman.
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With several Gulf nations, including the UAE, closing their airspace, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is assessing whether the team can travel as planned or if the Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series will face a second postponement.
“We are in touch with the series organisers and waiting to determine when the team can travel,” said a spokesman for the ECB.
Why the CWC League 2 Tri-Series Matters
The Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series plays a key role in the qualification process for the 2027 ODI World Cup. South Africa and Zimbabwe have already secured their places as hosts.
The top eight teams in the standings will qualify directly for the tournament. The remaining four berths will be decided through the 2027 World Cup Qualifiers, making the upcoming League 2 fixtures crucial for the UAE’s campaign.
Cricketers Stranded in the Middle East
Several prominent players have also been affected by the regional unrest.
England batter Jonny Bairstow is currently in Dubai on holiday with his family. He appealed to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer via social media for assistance in returning home.
England Test captain Ben Stokes and former all-rounder Andrew Flintoff are in Abu Dhabi with the England Lions squad. Their planned match against Pakistan Shaheens was cancelled due to the prevailing security concerns.
Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim was also stranded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he had travelled for pilgrimage. He shared an update on social media regarding his situation.
“Unfortunately due to the war between USA, ISRAEL and IRAN all the flights have returned to Jeddah and now I am in Jeddah airport including thousands of passengers… when and how we will able to go to Dhaka along with other Bangladeshi people?” Rahim wrote on his Facebook page.
According to the recent updates, Rahim has safely returned home. However, tensions across the Middle East remain high, continuing to impact travel and sporting schedules.
