England cricketer Jonny Bairstow Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made an emotional public appeal for help in repatriating the England Lions team from Abu Dhabi, as rising Middle East tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States leave the team stranded amid missile threats and explosions in the UAE capital. Bairstow, who currently holds a coaching role with the Lions, took to social media with a desperate appeal in the early hours of Sunday as security concerns grew in the area.
“Can you get us home?”: Bairstow’s desperate appeal to the United Kingdom Prime Minister
The former England international tweeted a clear four-word message, reacting directly to Starmer’s official statement on Iran posted on Saturday evening: “Can you drive us home???” The appeal comes after several residents in Abu Dhabi reported hearing loud explosions across the city, with state media confirming one death, though details remain scarce.
Starmer had previously issued his stance on the escalating situation in Iran, but Bairstow’s reply highlighted the immediate humanitarian consequences for British citizens caught in the conflict zone.
Can you drive us home???
– Jonny Bairstow (@jbairstow21) 28 February 2026
The England wicketkeeper-batsman also sought immediate communication from Emirates after his flight was cancelled, urging the airline to provide clarity and assistance.
@emirates None of our communication posts have resulted in flight cancellations.
Tried lines of communication but nothing. Can anyone please get in touch?– Jonny Bairstow (@jbairstow21) 1 March 2026
Blasts hit Abu Dhabi as tensions rise in Middle East
Witnesses said they heard five loud explosions that shook windows near Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, Reuters reported, with similar explosions also reported in the Al Dhafra and Al Batain areas. On Saturday afternoon, fighter planes were seen circling over Yas Island, making the atmosphere more alert.
Residents received mobile phone alerts instructing them to take shelter in the nearest secure building and stay away from windows due to missile threats, indicating the seriousness of the situation. The presence of strategic military installations – including Al Dhafra Air Base used by both the UAE and US Air Forces, and Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port serving as the US Navy’s largest regional facility – has placed the UAE in a potentially vulnerable position amid Iran-Israel tensions.
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ECB cancels second ODI due to security concerns
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) moved swiftly to cancel the scheduled 50-over match between England Lions and Pakistan Lions on Sunday, giving top priority to the safety of players and staff. In an official statement released on Saturday, the ECB confirmed: “The safety of our teams and staff is our top priority. We are in contact with security experts and the government regarding current events in the Middle East and are following official advice.”
Bairstow’s presence in Abu Dhabi stems from his coaching involvement with the England Lions setup, a role that has kept him connected to the game following his illustrious international career. The 35-year-old, who remains a popular figure in English cricket, now finds himself dealing with a very different challenge than the sporting events he had expected.
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