England Lions: The ECB is in contact with the UK government like the Lions in the UAE

The England Lions are following ‘official advice’ in the UAE after Iran launched attacks across the Middle East in response to US and Israeli strikes across its territory.

The English Cricket Association said in a statement that it was in contact with “security experts and the government” and that the safety and security of its teams was the “top priority.”

The Lions – Andrew Flintoff’s English development team – are in the UAE for matches against Pakistan Shaheens.

They were scheduled to play the second match in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, but that has now been cancelled.

The tour group, which included 25 players and coaches, traveled to Abu Dhabi but is now unable to leave due to the closure of UAE airspace and a number of airlines canceling their flights in the region.

The British Foreign Office urged its nationals in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates to immediately shelter in place after reports of explosions.

England Women were due to travel to Abu Dhabi for a training camp on Wednesday, but that trip has been postponed.

England’s men’s T20 World Cup team will travel from Sri Lanka to Mumbai on Sunday as planned.

After the United States and Israel launched their large-scale attack on Saturday, Iran began retaliatory strikes targeting Israel and other sites in the Middle East.

An England and Wales Cricket Board spokesperson said: “The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority.

“We are in contact with security experts and the government regarding current events in the Middle East, and are following official advice.

“We will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation and provide official advice regarding the future of these flights,” he added.