England players including Andrew Flintoff and Jonny Bairstow are stuck in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and tensions are rising by the hour after Iran launched attacks in the Middle East in retaliation for a massive joint military operation by the United States and Israel.
The England Lions squad is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates after fresh missile and drone attacks in parts of the Middle East. The group has 25 members including players and coaches. Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow are part of that team as coaches.
Andrew Flintoff and Jonny Bairstow are also among the England stars caught in the UAE crisis.
The Lions were scheduled to face Pakistan Shaheens in their second unofficial ODI in Dubai on Sunday (March 1). But after Iran launched retaliatory attacks across the region, authorities closed UAE airspace and Sunday’s match was canceled.
With the airport closed, English players and staff cannot go out. His family members and friends at home are naturally worried for him, and everyone is waiting for updates.
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ECB holds emergency talks as UAE airspace closed due to missile attacks
However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has stressed that the safety of the players comes first, and they are in contact with UAE authorities, security experts and the UK government. The ECB said that they are examining the situation daily and will take next steps on official advice.
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 in relation to the current events in the Middle East and are following official advice. We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and official advice regarding the future of these trips.”
Jonny Bairstow, on the other hand, publicly asked for clear communication from the airline as he was not given any proper update after the UK flight was cancelled. He posted on Instagram: “@Emirates, we have had no communication since the flight was cancelled. Tried lines of communication but nothing. Can someone please get in touch?”
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England Women’s Abu Dhabi camp postponed; No change in the schedule of the men’s team
Not only this, but the England women’s team, which was supposed to travel to Abu Dhabi next week for a training camp, will now stay there as their trip has been postponed until further notice.
Additionally, the England men’s team, which is playing in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2025, will follow its original plan. They will travel from Sri Lanka to Mumbai for their semi-final match as per schedule. Mumbai is very far from Abu Dhabi, so there has been no change in that plan.
ICC reacts to the situation
The International Cricket Council (ICC), which is headquartered in Dubai, has also made emergency arrangements. The ICC has now made backup plans for some of its employees who were planning to return from Dubai.
“We would also urge traveling fans to closely monitor and follow the advice issued and consider all factors before undertaking further international travel,” an ICC spokesperson said in a statement.
The attacks are said to have targeted some of the UAE’s most famous locations, including Dubai Airport, the Fairmont Hotel in Palm Jumeirah and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.
