The International Cricket Council has implemented contingency measures to ensure the safety of stakeholders at the Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, following disruptions from US-Iran conflict in the Middle East. While the tournament proceeds without direct impact, travel through Gulf hubs like Dubai is affected. The ICC is providing real-time advisories and alternative routing options to minimize disruptions.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on February 28, 2026, that it has activated comprehensive contingency plans to safeguard travel, logistics, and well-being for all stakeholders involved in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, hosted in India and Sri Lanka. The measures address the evolving situation in the Middle East, stemming from recent military operations involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which have disrupted key aviation corridors.
Although the conflict has no direct bearing on the tournament's conduct in the host nations, many personnel—including players, team management, match officials, broadcast teams, and event staff—rely on Gulf hub airports, particularly Dubai International Airport (DXB), for transit to their home countries after the event. The ICC emphasized that outbound travel planning may require adjustments if regional conditions continue to affect regular air routes through the Gulf.
"The safety and well-being of every individual connected to our event is the ICC’s highest priority," an ICC spokesperson stated in the official media release. "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."
To mitigate issues, the ICC's travel and logistics team is collaborating with major international carriers to secure alternative routes, including connections through European, South Asian, and South-East Asian hubs. Security consultants are liaising with authorities to issue real-time advisories, and a dedicated ICC Travel Support Desk has been activated. The organization also advised fans traveling for the tournament to monitor official advisories closely before making international plans.
The ICC committed to providing ongoing updates and ensuring the smooth conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2026, which is in its final stages as of the statement date.
