England Lions fixture cancelled amid escalating security situation in Middle East
The Lions were scheduled to play the second 50-over encounter of the five-match series against Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, March 3. However, the fixture has been cancelled.
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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are in talks with the UK Government amid escalating tension in the Middle East following United States’ military strikes on Iran. The ECB have stated that the safety of its players and staff, including the Lions men’s squad currently in Abu Dhabi, remains the “top priority”.
The Lions were scheduled to play the second 50-over encounter of the five-match series against Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, March 3. However, the fixture has been cancelled in the wake of the geopolitical tensions in the Gulf, which has also forced the closure of UAE’s airspace, leaving the 25-player touring Lions squad and the support staff, including coach Andrew Flintoff, in limbo.
"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,” an ECB spokesperson said.
"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.
"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."
Meanwhile, England Women's training camp, which was set to get underway in Abu Dhabi next week, has also been called off.
ICC activates contingency plans amid Middle East tensions
England’s senior men’s team is currently in India for the ongoing T20 World Cup. England are set to play the semi-final of the tournament at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Their travel has been cleared, with the ICC stating that it is taking necessary measures while monitoring the situation.
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