England’s winter schedule in the UAE has been disrupted, with the ECB pulling the plug on Tuesday’s 50-over match between the Lions and Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi and postponing next week’s England Women training camp.
The decision follows United States air-strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian missile attacks on targets across the Gulf, including Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. With tensions climbing, the board says it is working closely with the UK Government and independent security advisers.
An ECB spokesperson stressed: “The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority. We are in contact with security experts and the Government in relation to current events in the Middle East, and are following official advice.”
The Lions were midway through a three-match 50-over series, having won Saturday’s opener at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Tuesday’s contest was meant to be the second leg; instead the squad remains in its hotel while logistics teams weigh up the next move.
“Tomorrow’s second 50-over game between England Men’s Lions and Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi will no longer go ahead, and we are delaying the departure of England Women for their proposed trip to Abu Dhabi next week,” the spokesperson added.
The women’s group, led by head coach Jon Lewis, had been set for a ten-day skills camp in the capital—a tune-up before their home season. Those plans are now on ice, with players instructed to stand by for updates.
Attention also turns to the men’s senior side. Jos Buttler’s T20 squad, preparing for Thursday’s World Cup semi-final in Mumbai, has received clearance to travel as planned. The ICC says it is “monitoring the evolving situation”, but at present fixtures in India remain unaffected.
“We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and official advice in relation to the future of these trips. England Men will travel to Mumbai for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final as planned,” the ECB statement concluded.
Further information is expected once regional security assessments are updated.
