The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed it is in close consultation with the UK government and security advisers following recent military operations in the Middle East, insisting the well-being of its players and support staff in the region is its “priority”.
The England Lions men’s team, currently based in Abu Dhabi, is suffering from heightened anxiety.
The second of five scheduled 50-over matches against Pakistan Shaheens on Sunday has been called off. The decision follows retaliatory strikes across the region, including near Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah.
Also, the training camp for the England Women’s team, which was scheduled to start in Abu Dhabi next week, has been postponed.
Meanwhile, the England Men’s T20I team has been given the green light to travel to Mumbai as scheduled for their T20 World Cup semi-final on Thursday.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has said it is closely monitoring the situation.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has taken decisive action to overhaul its winter schedule, canceling the senior Lions match and postponing a women’s training camp after rising tensions across the Middle East.
It describes it as a fluid and rapidly evolving situation as the governing body maintains intensive dialogue with UK government officials and security advisers.
“The safety and security of our teams and staff is our priority. We are in touch with security experts and the government regarding current events in the Middle East and are following official advice.
“Tomorrow’s second 50-over match between England Men’s Lions and Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi will no longer go ahead and we are delaying the England Women’s intended departure for Abu Dhabi next week.
“We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and official advice regarding the future of these trips. England men will travel to Mumbai for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final as planned.”