‘Trying to keep my family safe’: Bairstow makes desperate plea in war-torn Dubai

New Delhi: England wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow Trapped in Dubai amid rising military tensions in the Middle East, he expressed serious concerns for his family’s safety. Commercial flights from the United Arab Emirates have been halted after Iranian missile and drone attacks, leaving thousands unable to travel. The attacks were reportedly in response to a joint Israeli-U.S. operation in Tehran that resulted in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday.Bairstow, 36, who was on holiday in Dubai with his family, took to social media to clarify that he does not represent the England Lions, contrary to speculation. The wicketkeeper-batsman described the agony of trying to keep his family safe as he searched for a route back to the UK.

“For those who write that I am an England Lions player… I am not. I am in Dubai with my young family… Of course England Lions security will do whatever they can to get them out of Abu Dhabi but I am trying to keep my family safe and get us out of here!” he wrote on X on Monday.A day earlier, Bairstow publicly appealed to Emirates after his flight was cancelled. “We had no contact after the flight, which was cancelled. Tried communication lines but nothing came of it. Can anyone contact us?” he posted.He also responded directly to Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the government issued a statement on the crisis, writing: “Can you take us home???”On Saturday, the British Foreign Office updated its travel warning for the UAE as the security situation worsened. The guidance now reads: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in the UAE should shelter in place immediately. Stay indoors in a safe place, avoid all travel, and follow the instructions of local authorities. “The unsettled situation has also disrupted England’s cricket schedule. England Lions canceled their 50-over match against Pakistan Shaheen in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. The England women’s cricket team has postponed its trip to the United Arab Emirates for a training camp, while the England cricket team is closely monitoring developments before returning home from the T20 World Cup in India, which was originally scheduled to stop via Dubai.The England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement on Saturday: “The safety of our squad and staff is our top priority. We are liaising with security experts and governments regarding current events in the Middle East and following official advice.“Tomorrow’s second 50-over match between the England Men’s Lions and Pakistan Shaheen in Abu Dhabi will not be played and we will postpone the England Women’s trip to Abu Dhabi next week.”