The US-Israel war on the Iranian front has given a severe blow to the cricket world. England have pulled out of their matches against Pakistan while the ICC has pressed the panic button amid concerns of stakeholders about the ICC T20 World Cup.
While the ECB has kept its plans for the ICC T20 World Cup on track as its team travels back to Mumbai for the second semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, other plans have been disrupted.
According to reports, the 25-member youth squad coached by Andrew Flintoff is currently stuck in Abu Dhabi due to the closure of Dubai Air Base. The Jay Shah-led ICC committee is also concerned about the safety of its players and stakeholders who pass through the Middle East region during the tour.
England pull out of Pakistan matches in Abu Dhabi; Women’s training camp postponed
The attacks on Iran have affected the surrounding region and all boards want to ensure the safety of their cricketers amid such a tense situation. England Lions were already in the Middle East playing their match against Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi.
The ECB has canceled the match after the attack at the Palm Jumeirah resort in Dubai. On the other hand, the England Women’s training camp, which was scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi next week, has also been postponed for an unknown period.
An ECB spokesperson said: “The safety of our teams and staff is our top priority. We are in contact with security experts and the government regarding the current events in the Middle East, and are following official advice.”
“The second 50-over game scheduled for tomorrow in Abu Dhabi between England Men’s Lions and Pakistan Shaheens will no longer go ahead, and we are delaying the departure of England Women for their planned trip to Abu Dhabi next week,” he said, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.
ICC activates contingency plans to ensure the safety of key stakeholders
Amid the ongoing war in Iran, the city, which is close to Dubai, is a major hub for players, stakeholders and others traveling through this route. The ICC confirmed through an official press release on Saturday that although the Middle East has no direct influence on the conduct of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026, they have taken all possible measures to protect the travel, logistics and well-being of stakeholders.
The ICC will continue to monitor the evolving situation and has therefore guaranteed that there will be minimal disruption, particularly for personnel who rely on Gulf transit hubs for onward travel after finishing their role at the tournament.
The ICC in particular has identified Dubai International Airport as a major transit point for many stakeholders. Those who may be affected by these changes include players, team management staff, broadcast crews and stakeholders. Although the tournament is still on track, outbound travel plans need to be carefully regulated.
ICC issues cautionary warning to fans who have undertaken or are planning to undertake international travel
As part of the outlined measures, ICC has already prepared a ground plan for its travel and logistics unit, who have begun working with international carriers to secure alternative options, including European or South Asian connection hubs.
In its statement, the ICC has appealed to all fans who have either traveled or are planning to travel for the tournament to take care and consider all relevant factors before making further plans for international travel.
“The safety and well-being of everyone associated with our event is the ICC’s top priority,” an ICC spokesperson claimed.
Also Read: India vs West Indies Weather Report, Super 8s: Rain Forecast for T20 World Cup 2026 Match