![Jonny Bairstow stuck in Dubai [Source: @CallMeSheri1_/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1772456792198_JonnyBairstow.jpg?type=hq)
Jonny Bairstow stuck in Dubai [Source: @CallMeSheri1_/x]
Jonny Bairstow has given an alarming update regarding his current whereabouts amidst the ongoing Middle East crisis. With the war between United States’ military and Iran reaching deadlier heights, several regions in the UAE seems to have been caught in the crossfire, especially the American airbases in the country.
While the UAE government has already closed its airspace, the decision has left several tourists stranded across the region. Even Pakistan Shaheens and England Lions camps have been stuck in the UAE amidst the escalating regional tensions.
Jonny Bairstow stuck with family in war-torn region
Earlier this month, several news outlets reported that Jonny Bairstow was among the many players from the England Lions set-up currently stuck in the UAE amidst the escalating tensions in the country with Iran.
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While Bairstow himself has stated that he is not a part of the England Lions team, he is still stuck with his young family in Dubai. The hard-hitting middle-order batter added that he is trying his best to keep his family safe and get them out of the city.
The legendary England cricketer also added that the ECB and the England Lions security staff is already trying its best to keep the England Lions safe and out of Abu Dhabi in due time.
Jonny Bairstow wrote, “For those writing that I’m with the England Lions team… I am not. I am with my young family in Dubai…sure the England Lions security staff will be doing all they can to get them out of Abu Dhabi but I am trying to keep my family safe and get us out of here!!”
ECB cancels England Lions’ One-Day series with Pakistan Shaheens
Iran’s missile and drone strikes in the UAE has already prompted the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to cancel its ongoing Abu Dhabi tour midway into the series against Pakistan Shaheens.
After winning the unofficial T20I series 3-0, a Dan Mousley-led England Lions side hammered Pakistan Shaheens by nine wickets in just 24.2 overs at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi to take a 1-0 lead in the 50-overs series.
However, shortly prior to the second unofficial ODI on March 1 at the same venue, the ECB cancelled the remainder of the tour to ensure safety of the players. The 25-player England Lions group, coached by former all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, is still stuck in the region as the UAE’s airspace remains closed.
ICC issues contingency plan for T20 World Cup 2026 stakeholders
The extent of the Middle East crisis can also be traced to developments surrounding the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. It is worth noting that the Dubai International Airport in the UAE is one of the key transit points for semi-finalists like England, South Africa and West Indies.
With all three teams making it to the top four of the tournament, the ICC has activated certain contingency plans to ensure well-being of the players, fans and other stakeholders.
In an official media release, an ICC spokesperson said that they are “working around the clock” to ensure that “all stakeholders can return home safely, with minimal disruption.”
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