ABU DHABI: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to cut short the England Lions’ tour of the United Arab Emirates due to rising tensions in the Gulf.
The board also confirmed it is exploring alternative plans for the England Women’s side after cancelling their scheduled training camp in Abu Dhabi.
The Lions were in the middle of a five-match 50-over series against Pakistan Shaheens when the second fixture was abandoned over the weekend. With the regional security situation worsening, the ECB has now called off the remaining three matches and is arranging for players and staff to return to the United Kingdom.
Ensuring the safety of players and officials remains the board’s top priority. Recent airspace closures in parts of West Asia have disrupted international travel, limiting commercial flight options and adding uncertainty.
England Women, who have not played since the 2025 ODI World Cup concluded in October, had been set to travel to Abu Dhabi for a preparatory camp ahead of the T20 World Cup, which England will host in June and July. The ECB has confirmed that the camp will no longer take place.
Instability
In a statement issued on Monday, the ECB attributed the decision to “instability across the Gulf,” stressing the need to safeguard the “safety and wellbeing of players, support staff and officials.”
“The remainder of the England Men’s Lions’ tour has been cancelled, and we are working to get everyone home as soon as possible,” the statement said.
“We have ruled out the possibility of England Women’s T20 World Cup camp taking place in Abu Dhabi given the instability across the Gulf,” it added.
The board said contingency plans are being developed and that alternative preparations for the women’s team are under consideration.
Travel disruptions are affecting other teams as well. Zimbabwe’s departure from India following the Men’s T20 World Cup has been delayed, while the West Indies board confirmed its players are currently unable to travel as planned.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) said it is closely monitoring developments, though the closing stages of the Men’s T20 World Cup are not expected to face disruption at this stage.
