T20 World Cup 2026: Zimbabwe fans face logistical issues for travelling to India, appeal for help

Fans of Zimbabwean cricket team faces logistical challenges as the tournament shifts from Sri Lanka to India. Leader of the Brass Band has appealed for support from the local business community.

Zimbabwe fans have been very vocal during their games in Sri Lanka. Image | X

Just when everything has been going near-perfect for the Zimbabwean cricket team at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where they have defeated former champions Australia and qualified for the Super 8s of the tournament, they have been hit by a new concern. The Zimbabwean fan army, whose rhythmic drums and infectious energy became the soundtrack of the group stage during Zimbabwe's games, now been facing a logistical hurdle.

A call for support from the fans

Despite the Zimbabwean side pulling up a massive upset against heavyweights like Australia and Sri Lanka to secure the Super 8 board, their most loyal supporters are facing a tough situation as the game moves from Sri Lanka to India.

After funding their own travels through the group stages in Sri Lanka, many fans now find the move to India financially daunting. Paul Mungofa, the leader of the famous Zimbabwean fan group Brass Band, has now made a public appeal to the Zimbabwean business community. He appealed that the cricket support should be treated with the same urgency as football or other sports.

“I urge local businessmen to support our team, just like they do for football. Let’s ferry prominent supporters to the games and create an electrifying environment for our boys. Our Brass Band and Castle Corner supporters can make a huge difference—let’s make some noise and bring it home.”

The players' acknowledgement

The appeal from the Zimbabwean fan group has now reached the captain, Sikandar Raza, as well. Captain Raza, who has been in clinical form, took a moment to appreciate the sacrifices made by the travelling supporters throughout their group stage games.

“They’ve done it out of their own pockets, travelling thousands of miles to support us. We’re grateful for their passion. Whichever corner they are sitting in, they are the loudest. They keep lifting us up.”

Raza acknowledged the fact that hearing the familiar chants and haunts in nature-neutral venues like Pallekele and Colombo gave them a home-like advantage that was definitely instrumental in their unbeaten group stage run. He also feels that that amount of support would be necessary when they face big teams like India, South Africa and the West Indies during the Super 8 stage.

Read also: India vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2026: Major concerns for Men in Blue against the Proteas.

Memories of a lifetime

Although the future of the Fan Army's India leg remains uncertain, the representatives insist that the journey so far in Sri Lanka has already been historic. Malvin Kwaramba, the chief fan representative of the group, reflected on the historical roller coaster of the tournament that Zimbabwe had in the last few weeks.

"We've celebrated with the team, and we've cried with them. They're like family now," he said. "We may be leaving Sri Lanka, but our spirits remain high."

Zimbabwe’s Super 8 roadmap in India

After their historic run in the group stage, Zimbabwe will now face a gruelling schedule in Group 1, where they will play against India, South Africa, and the West Indies.

To recreate the magic of 1999, when Zimbabwe famously beat both India and South Africa in a World Cup, they will need every bit of the vocal support they can get from the Zimbabwean fans. But it is still unclear whether they will get it or not at the stadiums.

How to watch the West Indies vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup 2026 match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the West Indies vs Zimbabwe, T20 World Cup 2026 match on JioHotstar, accessible via OTTplay Premium.

Share