Pakistan Become The 1st Team To Suffer America-Iran War, England Cancel Series

Iranian Strikes on Dubai (L) and PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi (R) (Source: X/AFP) 

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has made a major decision regarding the unofficial ODI series between England Lions and Pakistan Shaheens. The ECB is in continuous contact with the UK Government in light of the military conflict between the USA and Iran in the Middle East. 

After the US launched military strikes on Iran, the latter responded with the ‘ballistic missile’ attacks on American airbases in the Middle East countries, prominently in the United Arab Emirates. This conflict has left the Lions men’s squad and support staff stranded in Abu Dhabi. 

The limited-over series between England Lions and Pakistan Shaheens hangs in balance

Treating the English contingent’s safety as ‘top priority’, ECB has decided to cancel the upcoming 50-over fixture game against the Pakistan Shaheens. The second of the five-match series between the Lions and Shaheens was scheduled to be played on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi. 

The first unofficial ODI of the five-match series between Lions and Pakistan Shaheens was played on February 20 in Abu Dhabi. In the opening fixture, the Lions had defeated the Pakistan Shaheens by four wickets to gain a lead of 1-0 in the series. 

Now, the fate of the remaining part of the series hangs in balance. There has been no clarity from either the ECB or the PCB on whether they will shift the series from the UAE to any other safe venues. 

"We will continue to monitor and assess the situation" - ECB 

In the same line of events, the ECB has also postponed the training camp of England Women, which was earlier scheduled for the 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,” the ECB spokesperson was quoted as saying by 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 later. 

Furthermore, the ECB spokesperson also cleared the position of the English cricket authorities on the ongoing geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East. He also mentioned that England’s senior men’s team will visit Mumbai for the semi-final of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. 

“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. 

Also Read: T20 World Cup In Limbo As ICC Provides Massive Update Amidst Iran-Israel War

ICC issues contingency plan for stakeholders in T20 World Cup 2026 amid Middle East crisis

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has also activated the contingency plans for the safety and well-being of the stakeholders associated with the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The ICC’s decision came in the wake of the rising tensions in the Middle East. 

Notably, most of the players, match officials, broadcast teams, and event staff are dependent on the Gulf hub airports, especially Dubai. The Dubai International Airport is one of the key transit points for teams like England, South Africa, and the 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,” said ICC spokesperson 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 later. 

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