England Lions arrive back in UK from UAE

The England Lions squad and staff have returned safely to the United Kingdom after the cancellation of the remainder of their limited-overs series against Pakistan Shaheens in the United Arab Emirates. The 25-strong party, led by coach Andrew Flintoff, departed Abu Dhabi on a commercial flight on Tuesday and have since landed on home soil, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed.

The development side had been in the Emirates for the 50-over leg of their white-ball programme, having already swept the preceding T20 series 3-0. They held a 1-0 lead in the five-match one-day contest when Sunday’s scheduled second game was abandoned following missile strikes across the region.

Iranian attacks, launched in retaliation for American and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, prompted the ECB and Pakistan Cricket Board to mutually agree the immediate termination of the tour. While most incoming projectiles were intercepted, iconic UAE landmarks—including the Fairmont The Palm and the Burj Al Arab hotels—sustained damage, and both Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport were hit.

In a brief statement, the ECB thanked “all those who provided assistance and advice while the squad were in Abu Dhabi, and who helped ensure their safe return,” adding that its “thoughts are with all those currently still in the Gulf who are seeking to return to the UK.”

The PCB echoed the sentiment, stressing that “the safety, security and wellbeing of the players and support staff remain the highest priority,” and confirmed it is coordinating travel arrangements to bring Pakistan’s contingent home.

The abrupt halt to the series has also affected domestic preparations: Nottinghamshire have cancelled their pre-season tour to the UAE, which had been due to begin on Monday.