The match between England Lions and Pakistan Shaheens scheduled for Sunday in Abu Dhabi has been called off after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, the England and Wales Cricket Board has confirmed.
The ECB said it remained in touch with governments and security experts and was “following official advice”.
Explosions could be heard across the Gulf as Iran launched missile attacks across the Middle East, targeting Abu Dhabi and Dubai and forcing Dubai International Airport to suspend all flights.
“The safety and security of our team and staff is our top priority,” the ECB said in a statement.
“Tomorrow’s second 50-over match between the England Men’s Lions and Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi will not be held, postponing the departure of England Women’s players for next week’s trip to Abu Dhabi.
“We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and provide official advice on the future of these trips.”
The England men’s team, currently participating in the Twenty20 World Cup, will travel from Sri Lanka to Mumbai, approximately 2,000 kilometers across the ocean from Abu Dhabi, for Thursday’s semi-finals, as scheduled.
The Dubai-based governing body for cricket (ICC) earlier announced that it had activated a contingency plan for its staff who were due to transit through Dubai to reach their home countries.
“We urge fans with a history of travel to monitor carefully, adhere to the recommendations in place and consider all factors before undertaking any future international travel,” an ICC spokesperson said in a statement.
