Some teams in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season may face delays in getting overseas players to India. Travel disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia have affected international flight schedules.
Several cricketers from South Africa and West Indies are reportedly struggling to complete their travel plans. Airlines have adjusted routes due to restrictions at key airports.
Airports in cities such as Doha and Dubai are experiencing operational limits. Because of this, many international flights have been delayed or rescheduled.
As a result, several players have not yet returned home even a week after finishing the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign. The situation has raised concerns about their arrival in India for the IPL.
A senior Board of Control for Cricket in India official said travel delays have made the situation challenging. Airfares have also increased due to the disruption in West Asia.
However, Chennai Super Kings does not expect major issues. CEO Kasi Viswanathan said the team is confident its overseas players will arrive on time.
The franchise expects Akeal Hosein and Dewald Brevis to join the squad before their opening match.
The BCCI has already released the schedule for the first 20 matches of IPL 2026. Remaining fixtures will be announced after election dates in Tamil Nadu, Assam and West Bengal are confirmed.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Matches at the Bengaluru venue will depend on approval from a Karnataka government expert committee. The panel will review the stadium’s readiness on March 13 following last season’s stampede incident.
Another key match during the opening weekend will feature Mumbai Indians facing Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium.
During the first phase, 20 matches will be played across 10 venues including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.
With the season set to begin on March 28, franchises are hoping the travel situation improves soon. Teams want their overseas players to arrive early to start practice sessions and final preparations.
