The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has cancelled the remainder of England Lions’ tour of the UAE and called off England Women’s planned training camp in Abu Dhabi due to the deteriorating security situation in West Asia.
The decision follows US-Israeli air strikes on Iran and the subsequent closure of regional airspace, which has caused widespread travel disruption. The ECB confirmed it is working to bring players and support staff home from Abu Dhabi as soon as possible.
England Lions had been engaged in a white-ball series against Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi. While the opening fixtures were completed, the second of five scheduled one-day matches was called off over the weekend. The remaining three games have now been abandoned.
Meanwhile, England Women were set to travel to Abu Dhabi for a preparatory camp ahead of the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, which will be held in the UK in June and July. The squad has not played since their exit from the 2025 ODI World Cup in October, and the camp was viewed as a key part of their build-up.
In a statement, the ECB said it had “ruled out” staging the women’s camp in the UAE given the instability across the Gulf and is now exploring alternative arrangements to ensure adequate preparation.
The ongoing conflict has also disrupted travel plans for other international sides, with teams facing delays due to regional airspace closures. The International Cricket Council (ICC) said it is monitoring developments closely, though the situation is not expected to impact the conclusion of the current Men’s T20 World Cup.