Durham cancel Abu Dhabi tour amid Gulf conflict

Durham have withdrawn both their men’s and women’s squads from a planned pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks on US-allied states across the region. The decision follows similar moves by Yorkshire and Glamorgan, who have also scrapped Middle East trips.

The men’s squad had been due to fly to the UAE capital next Monday, with the women’s party scheduled to depart on 23 March. Director of cricket Marcus North said the club had monitored developments “alongside the relevant authorities” and concluded that cancellation was the only responsible course.

“The safety and wellbeing of our players and staff is always our absolute priority,” North stated. “After careful consideration, we believe this is the right decision.”

Durham will now seek alternative arrangements to ensure readiness for the 2026 County Championship, which begins on 3 April. A further announcement on the women’s tour is expected once contingency plans are finalised. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the conflict in the region at this difficult time,” North added.

Yorkshire, who had been set to leave for the UAE on Saturday, have switched to a training camp in Spain, while Glamorgan have abandoned fixtures against Worcestershire and Oman. Glamorgan chief executive Dan Cherry echoed the safety-first stance: “Above all else, our thoughts are with those affected in the region at this time.”

County cricket’s traditional warm-weather preparations have been thrown into disarray just weeks before the new season, with counties now racing to secure UK or European bases.