‘There is no way to return home…’, this IPL star trapped with his team in America-Iran war, appeals to PM for help

By Samira Vishwas On Mar 1, 2026

The increasing military conflict between America, Israel and Iran in the Middle East is now affecting the cricket world as well. The second 50-over match between England Lions and Pakistan Shaheens scheduled for March 1 in Abu Dhabi has been cancelled. Amidst this crisis, England’s star cricketer Jonny Bairstow, who played in the IPL, is stranded in Abu Dhabi and has sought help from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his safe return.

This tension deepened when loud explosions due to missile attacks were heard in the area and alerts were issued to the local people. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) canceled the match citing the safety of the team as its top priority and said that it will consider the future schedule.

Reason for match cancellation?

The second 50-over match between England Lions and Pakistan Shaheens to be held in Abu Dhabi was canceled due to deteriorating security situation. The ECB said in an official statement that the safety of the team and staff is the top priority. The board is in touch with security experts and the government and is following all official advice.

My statement on Iran. pic.twitter.com/Ki4VVTYO4N
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 28, 2026

Jonny Bairstow’s appeal

Jonny Bairstow, who is in a coaching role with England Lions in Abu Dhabi. Appealed to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on social media. they wrote, "Can you get us home???"Loud explosions were heard in Abu Dhabi in recent days and mobile alerts were issued warning of missile threat, with advice to seek shelter in safe buildings and stay away from windows.

ECB statement

ECB made it clear that the safety of the team and staff is of utmost importance. The board is in constant touch with the government and security agencies. For this reason, the match against Pakistan Shaheens was canceled and the England women’s team’s trip to Abu Dhabi has also been postponed. Further program will be decided after reviewing the situation.

Jonny Bairstow’s cricket career

36-year-old Jonny Bairstow has been a star in the IPL. He scored 1674 runs in 52 matches at an average of 34.87. SRH released him ahead of the 2022 mega auction, where Punjab Kings picked him up. He could not play IPL 2023 due to a leg injury. In international cricket, he has scored 6042 runs in 100 Tests, 3868 runs in 107 ODIs and 1671 runs in 80 T20Is for England. However, he is out of the team since 2024 and his comeback seems difficult.

PV Sindhu also trapped

This struggle has also affected Indian players. Badminton star PV Sindhu is stranded at Dubai Airport. She was going to Birmingham for the All England Open, but got stuck due to the cancellation of the connecting flight from Dubai. All flights are suspended until further notice. Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi is used by the UAE and US Air Force, while Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port is the major port of the US Navy.