Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) Saturday said it is working on alternate flight plans for players and officials returning from the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka amid the disruption caused by the US strikes on Iran.
The T20 showpiece that began February 7 will wind up on March 8 and feature 20 teams, of which six still remain in the fray, including co-hosts India.
“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,” the ICC spokesperson said in a statement.
“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.”
The ICC acknowledged that a significant number of personnel – including players, team management, match officials, broadcast teams, and event staff – rely on Gulf hub airports, particularly Dubai, as key transit points for onward travel to their home countries upon concluding their commitments at the event.
Keeping these factors in mind, the ICC said its ‘travel and logistics’ team is actively working with major international carriers to identify and secure alternative routing options, including connections through European, South Asian and South-East Asian hubs.
“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 said it will continue to issue updates as the situation evolves, adding that it “remains committed to the smooth and safe conclusion” of the T20 World Cup 2026.
The US and Israel launched a major offensive on Iran Saturday, with American President Donald Trump calling on the Iranian public to overthrow the Islamic leadership that has ruled the nation since 1979.
