Bairstow makes plea to Starmer while stranded in Dubai as ECB consult government
Jonny Bairstow has issued a plea to Sir Keir Starmer to “get us home” after being stranded in Dubai with his family.
Bairstow had been on holiday in the United Arab Emirates when the nation was hit by rocket strikes from Iran following the American and Israeli attacks on Tehran.
Dubai airport was hit by missiles on Saturday evening with most flights cancelled across the region, and the Foreign Office warning British nationals to “shelter in place”.
“Can you get us home???”, Bairstow posted on X, formerly Twitter, in a reply to a video of the prime minister’s statement on Saturday evening. The wicketkeeper-batter subsequently suggested in a message to Emirates that his flight had been cancelled and he was searching for more information.
The second-string England Lions side are currently in Abu Dhabi having been contesting a white-ball series against the Pakistan Shaheens. The second 50-over match between the two sides on Sunday was cancelled, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) consulting the government for advice.
England’s senior women’s side’s departure for Abu Dhabi ahead of a training camp has been delayed, while the men’s team were expected to transit back via Dubai on their way home from the T20 World Cup in India. Brendon McCullum’s squad take on the hosts in Mumbai at the semi-final stage on Thursday.
“The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority,” the ECB said in a statement on Saturday evening. “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.”