England Team Stuck in India After T20 World Cup Semi-Final as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Travel
The England men's cricket team is still in India following their loss to India in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to air travel disruptions resulting from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The team was scheduled to depart India on Friday, after losing to India by seven runs in the semi-final on Thursday evening at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. But heightened tensions in the Middle East as a result of air strikes involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran has disrupted flight paths and the availability of travel options.
As a result of this development, the England team and staff remain in India while flight arrangements are being made to bring them home.
England Working with the ICC on a Flight Plan
The England team is reportedly working with the International Cricket Council on a chartered flight to bring them home, and are expected to depart India for the United Kingdom either on Saturday or Sunday, pending flight clearance.
South Africa, who were defeated in the other semi-final, may also be returning on the same charter flight. Other players including those who represent West Indies still remain in India after having been eliminated earlier from the tournament.
Many of the England players competing in the Indian Premier League, including Jos Buttler
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England Women Cancel Abu Dhabi Trip and Relocate Training to South Africa
The disruption has also effected the England women's cricket team's training camp which was scheduled to be played in Abu Dhabi, but has now been called off by the England and Wales Cricket Board due to concerns over safety.
The ECB said
“The trip had been due to take place in Abu Dhabi, but the political situation has necessitated the sourcing of Pretoria as a new destination."
As a result, the team will now fly to Pretoria, South Africa for a warm weather training camp which will involve a five-match intra-squad series between March 10 and 27.
Two squads of 15 players are to participate in the matches and will be named after the legendary England cricketers Jan Brittin and Rachael Heyhoe Flint.
Charlotte Edwards, head coach stated
“This is a big opportunity for every player involved to put their hand up and demonstrate that they’re an invaluable part of our World Cup plans.”
“We want to use this series as a chance to stretch ourselves and put ourselves under pressure in competitive match situations. Adding a more competitive element is our next step and I’m really pleased with how the group is coming along ahead of a massive summer.”
This latest change highlights the wider impact global affairs can have on the international sporting landscape even if a particular sporting event is nowhere near the area where the conflict is occurring.