- By Vishal Pushkar
- Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:59 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
West Asia Tensions: Due to the ongoing tensions in West Asia, multiple sporting events are facing disruptions and postponements. Currently, India’s men’s basketball team, who were present in Qatar for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, has been left stranded in the capital city of Doha after escalating geopolitical tensions, which affected flight operations.
After suffering a defeat to host Qatar, Team India was scheduled to reach Lebanon to face the hosts at the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex in Zouk Mikael.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA), based in Mies, Switzerland, has declared that four qualifying matches in Groups C and D — including the clash between Lebanon and India — will be postponed to the upcoming qualification window in late June. This decision came in light of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeting major cities in Iran, such as Tehran, which raised security concerns throughout the region. To ensure the safety of players, officials, and staff, FIBA chose to delay the games.
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The matches affected include Iran vs Syria, Iraq vs Jordan, Lebanon vs India, and Qatar vs Saudi Arabia. Due to restrictions on airspace impacting outgoing flights, the Indian team has been unable to start its return trip and is currently stranded in Doha.
Team India Awaits Clearance
The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) is working in collaboration with the Ministries of External Affairs, Home Affairs, and Youth Affairs & Sports, as well as the Embassy of India in Doha.
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“The safety and welfare of the Indian contingent remain the highest priority for the Basketball Federation of India. We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in regular communication with the team management, relevant authorities, and international basketball bodies," the BFI confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday.