Middle East conflict live updates: England tours cancelled, teams stranded in India after T20 WC campaigns

The UAE and Oman are scheduled to travel to Nepal for an ICC CWC League 2 tri-series, starting March 10.

UAE are due to fly to Nepal on March 6, as per The National, but the Emirates Cricket Board are yet to take a final call as they continue to monitor the ever-evolving situation.

The England women were scheduled to travel to Abu Dhabi this weekend for a training camp ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. But that has been called off due to the conflict as well.

"England Women were due to fly to the region this weekend to play a series of intra-squad fixtures, with alternative venues now being explored," the ECB confirmed in a statement.

England Lions were on a tour of the UAE to play Pakistan Shaeens in three unofficial T20Is and five 50-over games in Abu Dhabi.

While the 20-over series was completed, only the first 'ODI' was possible before the conflict broke out. Initially, only the second 50-over game was cancelled, but now the entire series has been called off.

An ECB spokesperson said: “The remainder of the England Men’s Lions’ tour has been cancelled, and we are working to get everyone home as soon as possible."

Zimbabwe played out of their skins to reach the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup. But as their return was planned via Dubai, airspace closure scuppered their plans.

Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed in a statement that the team remains in India until further travel arrangements are made. It read:

"Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirms that the Zimbabwe senior men's team remains safe and well in India following the conclusion of their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. The squad was scheduled to return home via Dubai, but travel plans have been affected by the evolving situation in the Middle East, which has disrupted key transit routes.

"The International Cricket Council (ICC) has activated contingency measures and is working with international carriers to secure alternative travel arrangements. ZC remains in constant communication with the ICC and team management on the ground to ensure the squad's safe and timely return."

The Cricket West Indies released an official statement announcing that the departure of their team from India after their elimination from the T20 World Cup 2026 has been delayed "due to international airspace restrictions."

The statement further read:

"These restrictions are a direct result of the security threats posed by military action in the Gulf Region, which has impacted several international flight routes and required airlines to adjust scheduled services for safety reasons.

"CWI is working closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC), relevant governmental authorities and airline partners to secure the earliest possible safe travel arrangements for the squad and support staff. The safety and well-being of our players, coaches, and officials remain our highest priority.

"The team is currently accommodated in India and remains safe and well. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as confirmed travel arrangements are finalised."

With the T20 World Cup nearing its conclusion, eliminated teams are stranded in India, with transit routes through the Middle East blocked.

The England Lions tour of the UAE has been cancelled, while a planned tour of the England women's team to the region stands cancelled as well for the time being.