Image credit: Jonny Bairstow’s Instagram page. NEW DELHI: England wicket-taker Jonny Bairstow has expressed grave concerns for his family’s safety after being stranded in Dubai amid rising military tensions in the Middle East. Commercial flights from the United Arab Emirates were halted after missile and drone attacks launched by Iran, leaving thousands unable to travel. The attacks are said to be in response to joint Israeli and American operations in Tehran that led to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday.Bairstow, 36, traveled to Dubai on a family holiday and took to social media to clarify that, contrary to speculation, he is not with the England Lions. The goalkeeper described the anxiety of trying to ensure the safety of his family while finding a way back to the UK.
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“For those writing I’m with England Lions… I’m not. I’m with my young family in Dubai… I’m sure England Lions security will do everything they can to get them out of Abu Dhabi but I’m trying to keep my family safe and get us out of here!” wrote on X on Monday.A day earlier, Bairstow had publicly appealed to Emirates after his flight was cancelled. “We had no communication after the flight was cancelled. We tried communication lines but nothing. Could someone please contact us?” published.He also responded directly to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the government’s statement on the crisis, writing: “Will you get us home???”Britain’s Foreign Office updated its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates on Saturday as the security situation worsened. Guidance now reads: “Due to the reported rocket attacks, British citizens in the UAE should immediately shelter in place. Stay indoors in a safe place, avoid all travel and follow the instructions of local authorities.”The instability also disrupted England’s cricket schedule. England Lions have called off their 50-run match against Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. England’s women’s cricket team has postponed their departure for a training camp in the Emirates as the England cricket team closely monitors developments ahead of their trip home from the T20 World Cup in India, a journey that was due to take them via Dubai.In a statement issued on Saturday, the England and Wales Cricket Board said: “The safety and security of our teams and staff is our highest priority. We are in contact with security experts and the government regarding current events in the Middle East and are following official advice.”“Tomorrow’s second 50-over-50 match between England Men’s Lions and Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi will no longer go ahead and we are postponing England Women’s departure for their proposed trip to Abu Dhabi next week.”
