England Lions: ECB in contact with UK government as Lions in Uae; uae travel disrupted
The England Lions are following official advice while in the uae after Iran launched attacks throughout the Middle East in response to American and Israeli strikes across its territory. The England and Wales Cricket Board says it is in contact with security experts and the government and that the safety and security of its teams is the top priority.
Lions stranded in Abu Dhabi
The Lions, England's development team led by legendary former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, travelled to Abu Dhabi for matches against Pakistan Shaheens. The touring party, including 25 players and coaches, were due to play the second of those matches in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, but that game has now been cancelled and the group are unable to leave because the UAE's airspace is closed.
Uae: Airspace closure and flights
The closure of airspace has led to a number of airlines cancelling flights in the region, leaving the Lions and other teams affected. The touring party remains in Abu Dhabi while officials monitor whether travel can resume when airspace and airline services return to normal.
ECB statements and reaction
English cricket's governing body said it was in contact with "security experts and the government" and emphasised the priority placed on player safety. A spokesperson for the England and Wales Cricket Board said: "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. "We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and official advice in relation to the future of these trips. "
Impact on other England teams
England women were scheduled to fly to Abu Dhabi for a training camp on Wednesday but that trip has been postponed. Meanwhile the England men's T20 World Cup team will fly from Sri Lanka to Mumbai on Sunday as planned. Tournament travel is complicated by routing through the region: the T20 World Cup is being held in India and Sri Lanka but teams, including England, are scheduled to fly through the Middle East at the end of the competition.
Regional strikes and ICC response
The current tensions escalated after the US and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Saturday; Iran then began retaliatory strikes targeting Israel and other sites in the Middle East. Earlier reporting noted that the Supreme Leader's compound had been hit amid Iran's retaliatory strikes. The UK Foreign Office has urged British nationals in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE to immediately shelter in place following reports of explosions.
The International Cricket Council said earlier on Saturday it had "activated contingency plans" to "safeguard the travel, logistics and well-being of all stakeholders" at the T20 World Cup.
Other teams affected
Teams beyond England are impacted by the closures and cancellations. West Indies are scheduled to fly through Dubai's airport on Monday, should they be eliminated on Sunday. With flights disrupted across the region, several teams and touring parties face uncertainty about onward travel and return routes.
Officials continue to follow official advice, monitor developments and assess travel plans while prioritising the safety of players and staff.
