Pakistan-England second unofficial ODI called off amid Middle East tensions

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed it is in close consultation with the UK government and security advisers following recent military actions in the Middle East, stressing that the wellbeing of its players and support staff in the region remains its "top priority".

The England Lions Men's squad, currently based in Abu Dhabi, has been affected by the heightened tensions.

The second of five scheduled 50-over matches against Pakistan Shaheens, due to take place on Sunday, has been called off. The decision follows retaliatory strikes across the area, including in the vicinity of Dubai's Palm Jumeirah.

Furthermore, a training camp for the England Women's team, which was scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi next week, has been postponed.

Meanwhile, the England Men's T20I squad has been given the green light to travel to Mumbai as planned for their T20 World Cup semi-final fixture on Thursday. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has stated that it is keeping the situation under close review.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has taken decisive action to recalibrate its winter schedule, cancelling a senior Lions fixture and postponing a women’s training camp in the wake of escalating tensions across the Middle East.

The moves come as the governing body maintains active dialogue with UK government officials and security consultants to navigate what it describes as a fluid and rapidly evolving situation.

"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.

"Tomorrow's second 50-over game between England Men's Lions and Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi will no longer go ahead, and we are delaying the departure of England Women for their proposed trip to Abu Dhabi next week.

"We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and official advice in relation to the future of these trips. England Men will travel to Mumbai for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup semi-final as planned."