The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has taken a significant step concerning the unofficial ODI series between England Lions and Pakistan Shaheens, following escalating military tensions between the USA and Iran in the Middle East. The governing body confirmed it is in ongoing discussions with the UK Government as the situation continues to unfold.
After the United States carried out military strikes on Iran, Tehran responded with ‘ballistic missile’ attacks targeting American airbases across the Middle East, notably in the United Arab Emirates. As a result, the England Lions men’s squad and their support staff have been left stranded in Abu Dhabi.
Limited-Over Series in Doubt
Placing the security of its touring party as a ‘top priority’, the ECB has called off the upcoming 50-over fixture against Pakistan Shaheens. The second match of the five-game series had been scheduled for Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.
The opening unofficial ODI of the five-match contest was played on February 20 in Abu Dhabi, where England Lions secured a four-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead.
With the second game now cancelled, uncertainty surrounds the remainder of the series. Neither the ECB nor the PCB has confirmed whether the matches will be relocated from the UAE to an alternative venue considered safer.
More Read
“We will continue to monitor and assess the situation” – ECB
In a related development, the ECB has also postponed the England Women’s training camp, which had been planned for next week in Abu Dhabi.
“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,” an ECB spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo.
“Tomorrow’s second 50-over game between England Lions and Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi will no longer go ahead, and we are delaying the departure of England Women for their proposed trip to Abu Dhabi next week,” he added.
More Read
The spokesperson further clarified the board’s position regarding the ongoing geopolitical tensions and confirmed that England’s senior men’s side will proceed with its travel plans for the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Mumbai.
“We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and official advice in relation to the future of these trips. England Men will travel to Mumbai for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final as planned,” he said.
ICC Activates Contingency Measures for T20 World Cup 2026
Amid the growing instability in the Middle East, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has implemented contingency plans to safeguard all stakeholders involved in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, currently being held in India and Sri Lanka.
The move comes as a precaution given that many players, match officials, broadcast personnel and event staff rely heavily on Gulf transit hubs, particularly Dubai. Dubai International Airport serves as a major connection point for teams such as England, South Africa and West Indies.
“The safety of every individual connected to our event is the ICC’s highest priority. We have already mobilised our travel, logistics and security teams, and are working around the clock to ensure that all stakeholders can return home safely, with minimal disruption,” an ICC spokesperson said in an official media release.
“We would also urge fans who have travelled or were planning to travel for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 to monitor closely and adhere to advisories being issued and consider all factors before undertaking any further international travel,” he added.
