England players, including Andrew Flintoff and Jonny Bairstow, are stuck in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and tension is rising every hour after Iran started attacking across the Middle East as retaliation for a massive joint military operation by the United States and Israel.
The England Lions squad is unable to leave the UAE after fresh missile and drone attacks hit parts of the Middle East. The group has 25 members, including players and coaches. Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow are part of that squad as coaches.
Andrew Flintoff and Jonny Bairstow among England stars stranded in UAE crisis
The Lions were set to face Pakistan Shaheens in their second unofficial ODI match in Dubai on Sunday (March 1). But after Iran carried out retaliatory strikes across the region, the authorities closed UAE airspace, and the match was cancelled on Sunday.
With airports shut, the English players and staff cannot fly out. Their family members and friends back home are naturally worried for them, and everyone is waiting for updates.
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ECB in emergency talks, as missile attacks shut UAE airspace
However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has stressed that the player safety comes first, and they are in touch with UAE officials, security experts, and the UK government. The ECB said that they are checking the situation daily and will take the next step on official advice.
An ECB spokesperson stated, “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.”
On the other hand, Jonny Bairstow publicly asked the airline for clear communication, as there was no proper update given to them after the flight to the UK got cancelled. He posted on Instagram: “@emirates, we haven’t had any communication post flight getting cancelled. Tried the lines of communication, but nothing. Could someone please be in contact?”
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England Women’s Abu Dhabi camp postponed; No change in Men’s team’s schedule
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 back, as their trip has been postponed until further notice.
Additionally, the England men’s team, who are playing in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2025, will follow their original plan. They will travel from Sri Lanka to Mumbai for their semifinal match as scheduled. Mumbai is far from Abu Dhabi, so there is no change in that plan.
ICC reacts to the situation
The International Cricket Council (ICC), whose headquarters are in Dubai, has also made emergency arrangements. The ICC has now made backup plans for some of their staff who were planning to return through Dubai.
An ICC spokesperson said in a statement, “We would also urge fans who have travelled… to monitor closely and adhere to advisories being issued and consider all factors before undertaking any further international travel.”
It is being said that some well-known places in the UAE were targeted in the strikes, including Dubai Airport, the Fairmont Hotel in Palm Jumeirah, and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.
