England's cricket development team England Lions has been stranded in the United Arab Emirates after Iran launched retaliatory attacks across the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes. The squad, led by Andrew Flintoff, had traveled to Abu Dhabi for matches against Pakistan Shaheens but now cannot leave as UAE airspace remains closed.

The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed it is in constant contact with security experts and the UK government, prioritizing the safety of the 25-player touring party. Their second scheduled match in Abu Dhabi was cancelled, and England women's planned training camp has been postponed. The UK Foreign Office has advised British nationals in the region to shelter in place.

Meanwhile, the men's T20 World Cup team will proceed with its planned flight from Sri Lanka to Mumbai as scheduled. The International Cricket Council has activated contingency plans for the tournament, which continues in India and Sri Lanka. Other sports bodies including FIFA and Formula 1 are also monitoring the rapidly evolving situation, with events scheduled in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia