Commercial flights leaving the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been suspended after Iran launched missile and drone strikes, preventing thousands of travellers from departing. The attacks are said to be retaliation for joint Israeli and US operations in Tehran that resulted in the killing of Iran\u2019s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bairstow, 36, travelled to Dubai for a family holiday and clarified on social media that he is not part of the England Lions squad, contrary to some assumptions. The wicketkeeper-batter shared the anxiety of trying to keep his loved ones safe while looking for a way to return to the UK.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFor those writing that I\u2019m with the England Lions team\u2026I am not. I am with my young family in Dubai\u2026sure the England Lions security staff will be doing all they can to get them out of Abu Dhabi, but I am trying to keep my family safe and get us out of here!!\u201d he wrote on X on Monday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The previous day, Bairstow publicly appealed to the airline Emirates after his scheduled flight was cancelled. \u201cWe haven\u2019t had any communication post-flight, getting cancelled. Tried the lines of communication, but nothing. Could someone please be in contact?\u201d he posted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also rebutted UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer directly in response to the government\u2019s statement about the ongoing crisis, writing, \u201cCan you get us home???\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On Saturday, Britain\u2019s Foreign Office revised its travel guidance for the UAE due to worsening security conditions. The advisory now states- \u201cDue to reported missile attacks, British nationals in the UAE should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel, and follow instructions from the local authorities.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Regional instability has also affected England\u2019s cricket schedule. The England Lions cancelled their 50-over match against Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. England Women postponed their departure for a training camp in the Emirates, and the England men\u2019s team is watching the situation closely before returning from the T20 World Cup in India, which was supposed to go through Dubai.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On Saturday, Britain\u2019s Foreign Office revised its travel guidance for the UAE due to worsening security conditions. The advisory now states- \u201cDue to reported missile attacks, British nationals in the UAE should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel, and follow instructions from the local authorities.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTomorrow\u2019s second 50-over game between England Men\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n