England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has cancelled the remainder of the England Lions cricket team tour of the UAE following the US-Israeli air strikes on Iran. The governing body confirmed it is arranging for players and support staff to return to the UK. The board has also scrapped the planned training camp in the region for the England women’s cricket team.
England Lions had been engaged in a white-ball series against Pakistan Shaheens. While the opening fixtures went ahead, the second of the five scheduled one-day matches was called off due to the deteriorating situation. The remaining three games have now been cancelled.
England Women were due to travel for a training camp as part of their build-up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The side has not played since the ODI World Cup 2025. In light of recent developments, the ECB has begun exploring alternative arrangements for their preparations.
ECB Issues Official Statement
Confirming the decisions, the ECB released a statement outlining the steps being taken, including efforts to ensure the safe return of personnel.
“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,” the ECB statement said.
“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 statement further added.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is monitoring the situation. At present, it is understood that the ongoing conflict is not expected to impact the completion of the T20 World Cup 2026.
