Jonny Bairstow has described his concern for his family’s safety after being stranded in Dubai amid escalating military tensions across the Middle East.
Commercial flights departing the United Arab Emirates have been suspended following missile and drone strikes launched by Iran. The attacks were reported as retaliation for joint Israeli and United States operations in Tehran on Saturday.
Bairstow, 36, travelled to Dubai on a family holiday and stated that he is not part of the England Lions squad. The wicketkeeper batter used social media to outline his position and the difficulty of arranging travel.
“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!!” he wrote on X on Monday.
On Sunday, Bairstow appealed publicly to Emirates after his scheduled flight was cancelled.
“We haven’t had any communication post-flight getting cancelled. Tried the lines of communication, but nothing. Could someone please be in contact?” he posted.
He also addressed Prime Minister Keir Starmer in response to a Government statement on the crisis, writing, “Can you get us home???”
The Foreign Office updated its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates on Saturday. The revised guidance states: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in the UAE should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel, and follow instructions from the local authorities.”
The regional instability has affected England’s cricket schedule. England Lions cancelled their 50 over fixture against Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. England Women postponed departure for a training camp in the Emirates. The England men’s team is monitoring developments before returning from the T20 World Cup in India, with travel plans that were set to route through Dubai.
In a statement on Saturday, the England and Wales Cricket Board said, “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.
“Tomorrow’s second 50-over game between England Men’s 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.”