Bairstow, Flintoff, England Lions stranded in Dubai amid Middle East tensions

New Delhi: Cricket caught up in growing tensions in the Middle East, with players from England and India leaving Pakistan Stuck in Dubai.The England Lions were in the UAE against Pakistan Shaheen but that all changed after Iran carried out missile and drone attacks in the area.

As a result, the UAE closed its airspace, grounded flights and canceled Sunday’s match. The stranded persons include Jonny Bairstowformer England all-rounder Andrew Flintoffas well as 24 other players and staff.The team was unable to leave Dubai as flights were suspended. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said they are working hard to ensure everyone is safe and can return home where possible. An ECB spokesman said: “The safety of our teams and staff is our top priority. We are in contact with security experts and governments on current events in the Middle East and are following official advice.”“We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and official advice future these trips,” the spokesman told the BBC.Bairstow also openly expressed his frustration. Posting onIt’s not just the men’s “A” team that’s affected. The England women’s football team had planned to hold a training camp in Dubai, but that will now not go ahead. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also in touch with the Shaheen team and is closely monitoring the developments. There is currently no clear timetable for when UAE airspace will reopen, with both teams awaiting updates.