A scheduled 50-over match between the England Lions and Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi was cancelled Sunday as escalating tensions in the Middle East prompted a UK Foreign Office advisory urging British nationals in several Gulf states to shelter in place.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the cancellation, stating the decision followed “official advice” in response to Iran’s retaliatory strikes following attacks by the United States and Israel. The ECB said the safety and security of its teams and staff remained its “top priority.”
The England Lions, a development team coached by former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, had travelled to Abu Dhabi for the match. Still, the team of 25 players and coaches are now unable to depart the UAE as airspace in the region has been closed, with multiple airlines suspending flights. The ECB also announced a postponement of a planned training camp for the England Women’s team, scheduled to initiate in Abu Dhabi next week.
The UK Foreign Office’s alert extended to British nationals in Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, advising them to seek immediate shelter amid reports of explosions. The ECB is in contact with both security experts and the UK government to monitor the evolving situation.
Despite the disruption to the Lions’ tour and the women’s training camp, the England men’s T20 World Cup team will proceed with their planned travel from Sri Lanka to Mumbai on Sunday for their semi-final match, according to the ECB.
The cancellation comes after Iran launched missile attacks targeting Israel and other sites in the Middle East, in response to a large-scale attack by the US and Israel on Saturday. Dubai International Airport temporarily suspended flights during the period of heightened activity, further disrupting travel in the region.
The ECB stated it would continue to monitor and assess the situation and official advice regarding the future of both the Lions tour and the England Women’s trip.
