The England and Wales Cricket Board has cancelled the remainder of the England Lions tour of the United Arab Emirates following US and Israeli air strikes on Iran and is arranging for players and staff to return to the United Kingdom.
Plans for the England Women squad to hold a training camp in Abu Dhabi have also been abandoned.
The Lions had been contesting a white ball series against Pakistan Shaheens. The second of five scheduled one day matches was called off at the weekend and the final three fixtures have now been cancelled.
England Women, who have not played since their exit from the 2025 ODI World Cup in October, were due to travel to Abu Dhabi for a training camp ahead of the T20 World Cup in the United Kingdom in June and July. The ECB is assessing other arrangements.
An ECB statement said: “The remainder of the England Men’s Lions’ tour has been cancelled, and we are working to get everyone home as soon as possible.
“We have ruled out the possibility of England Women’s T20 World Cup camp taking place in Abu Dhabi given the instability across the Gulf.
“Over the weekend we started work on alternative options that will enable England Women to achieve the same outcomes, and we’ll keep you informed as soon as we finalise a new plan.”
Airspace closures across West Asia have disrupted thousands of flights. Zimbabwe’s departure from India after the Men’s T20 World Cup has been delayed. West Indies confirmed on Monday that their players had been required to remain in place following their final fixture.
The International Cricket Council said it is monitoring developments, though the conclusion of the tournament is not expected to be affected.