In view of the interruption created by the US strikes on Iran, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Saturday that it is developing alternate travel schedules for players and officials returning from the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Twenty teams competed in the T20 extravaganza, which started on February 7 and will conclude on March 8. Six teams, including co-hosts India, are still in the running.
“The safety and well-being of every individual connected to our event is the ICC’s highest priority. 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 international travel,” PTI quoted an ICC spokesperson in a statement.
After completing their obligations at the event, a large number of personnel, including players, team management, match officials, broadcast teams, and event staff, rely on Gulf hub airports, especially Dubai, as crucial transit points for their subsequent travel to their home countries, the ICC acknowledged.
In light of these considerations, the ICC stated that its “travel and logistics” team is actively collaborating with major international carriers to find and secure alternate routing possibilities, such as links via hubs in Europe, South Asia, and South-East Asia.
“The ICC security consultants are liaising with relevant authorities and will provide real-time advisories as the situation develops. A dedicated ICC Travel Support Desk has also been activated,” the game’s apex body said in the statement.
The ICC stated that it “remains committed to the smooth and safe conclusion” of the T20 World Cup 2026 and that it will keep providing information as circumstances change.
