The International Cricket Council (ICC) has activated contingency measures to safeguard players, officials and staff involved in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, currently being held in India and Sri Lanka, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In a media release issued on Saturday, the ICC confirmed it is closely monitoring the evolving situation. Although the regional crisis has no direct impact on the staging of matches, the governing body acknowledged that many tournament stakeholders rely on Gulf transit hubs — particularly Dubai International Airport (DXB) — for onward travel after completing their commitments.
The ICC stated that its Travel and Logistics team is working with major international airlines to secure alternative routing options. These include connections through European, South Asian and South-East Asian hubs to minimise disruption should Gulf airspace restrictions intensify.
At the same time, ICC security consultants are liaising with relevant authorities and monitoring developments in real time. A dedicated ICC Travel Support Desk has also been established to assist teams, match officials, broadcast crews and event staff.
The ICC emphasised that the situation does not currently affect the conduct of matches in India and Sri Lanka. However, the governing body is prioritising contingency planning to ensure the safety, well-being and smooth travel of all personnel associated with the event.
