Lions tour, England Women's training camp in UAE cancelled over security situation

ABU DHABI (Web Desk) - The ECB has cancelled England Lions' ongoing tour of the UAE following US-Israeli air strikes on Iran and is working to get players and staff back to the UK. It has also ruled out sending the England women's team on a planned training camp to the region.

The Lions had been playing white-ball series against Pakistan Shaheens but saw the second of five one-dayers called off at the weekend. The remaining three games have now been shelved.

England Women, who have not played since they exited the 2025 ODI World Cup in October, had been due to depart for Abu Dhabi for a camp as part of their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is to be staged in the UK in June-July. The ECB said it was now looking at "alternative options".

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."

The closure of airspace in West Asia as a result of the conflict has affected thousands of flights to and from the region, with Zimbabwe's departure from India after their involvement in the Men's T20 World Cup delayed. West Indies also said on Monday that their players had been forced to remain in place after their final game.

The ICC has said it is monitoring the situation, although it is not expected to affect the conclusion of the World Cup.