Dubai, February 28 (NationPress) – The International Cricket Council (ICC) is diligently observing the escalating events in the Middle East and has put into action detailed contingency measures to ensure the safe travel, logistics, and welfare of all individuals involved in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which is presently taking place in India and Sri Lanka.

The tensions in the Middle East have intensified, as Tehran has issued threats of new assaults on Israel and US maritime interests in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden following military actions by the US and Israel against Iran earlier this week. These developments pose a potential risk to air travel throughout the region, affecting routes to Europe and Africa.

While the ongoing crisis in the Middle East does not directly impact the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the ICC recognizes that a considerable number of personnel—including players, team management, match officials, broadcast teams, and event staff—depend on Gulf hub airports, especially Dubai (DXB), as crucial transit points for their return home after the tournament.

Operations at Dubai Airport have been halted until further notice, with extensive flight cancellations affecting journeys from India to Europe and Africa that transit through Dubai and the Gulf region.

The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has instructed all domestic airlines operating international flights to continuously assess airspace alerts, Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), and route limitations issued by relevant authorities to ensure passenger safety in light of the significant military operations initiated by the US and Israel against Iran.

The ICC has stated that it is actively monitoring the situation, emphasizing that the safety of every individual associated with the T20 World Cup is of utmost importance.

“The safety and well-being of everyone involved in our event is the ICC’s top priority. We have already deployed our travel, logistics, and security teams and are working tirelessly to ensure that all stakeholders can return home securely, with minimal disruption. We also encourage fans who have traveled or are planning to travel for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to stay informed and adhere to advisories issued, considering all aspects before undertaking any further international travel,” an ICC spokesperson stated in a release on Saturday.

Current Measures Implemented

The ICC Travel and Logistics team is collaborating with major international airlines to pinpoint and secure alternative routing options, including connections through European, South Asian, and Southeast Asian hubs, as per the release.

The ICC's security consultants are in communication with relevant authorities and will provide real-time updates as the situation unfolds. A dedicated ICC Travel Support Desk has also been established.

The ICC will keep issuing updates as the scenario evolves and remains committed to ensuring the smooth and secure conclusion of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is slated to conclude on March 8. Although most of the 20 participating teams have departed the region after the league phase, additional teams will be heading home following the conclusion of the Super 8 phase. There is considerable concern among team representatives regarding the escalating tensions in the Middle East.