England travel to Mumbai for T20 semi-final amid Middle East unrest as Andrew Flintoff’s Lions stranded in UAE
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England’s men’s team will travel to Mumbai for their T20 World Cup semi-final as planned despite disruption elsewhere in the Middle East.
The decision comes as Andrew Flintoff’s England Lions squad remain stranded in the United Arab Emirates following airspace closures.
While one touring party faces uncertainty, the senior side’s preparations for their T20 World Cup knockout fixture continue on schedule.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has stressed that safety remains its top priority.
England men to fly from Sri Lanka to Mumbai as scheduled
England’s T20 World Cup squad will fly from Sri Lanka to Mumbai on Sunday as planned.
India has not been affected by the airspace closures that have disrupted travel across parts of the Middle East, allowing the semi-final preparations to proceed.
The development follows escalating tensions in the region after large-scale military action involving the United States and Israel, with Iran launching retaliatory strikes.
Several countries have temporarily closed airspace, leading to widespread flight cancellations.
An ECB 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 in relation to current events in the Middle East, and are following official advice.
“We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and official advice in relation to the future of these trips.”
The semi-final remains scheduled to go ahead, with England continuing logistical planning as normal.
Andrew Flintoff’s England Lions stranded in United Arab Emirates
The England Lions, led by Andrew Flintoff, are currently in the United Arab Emirates for matches against Pakistan Shaheens.
They were due to play their second fixture in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, but that match has been cancelled.
The 25-man touring party travelled to Abu Dhabi but are now unable to leave due to the closure of UAE airspace.
A number of airlines have suspended or cancelled flights across the region.
The UK Foreign Office has urged British nationals in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates to shelter in place following reports of explosions.
The situation remains fluid, with the ECB continuing to liaise with security advisers and government officials as developments unfold.
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