England cricketer Jonny Bairstow has made an emotional public appeal to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for help in returning the England Lions team home from Abu Dhabi, as rising Middle East tensions between Iran, Israel and the US leave the team amid missile threats and explosions in the UAE capital. Bairstow, who currently holds a coaching role with the Lions, made a desperate appeal on social media on Sunday morning as safety concerns grow in the area.
“Can you bring us home?”: Bairstow’s desperate appeal to the UK Prime Minister
The former England international tweeted a clear four-word message on Saturday evening, directly responding to Starmer’s official statement on Iran: “Can you bring us home???” The appeal came as several residents in Abu Dhabi reported hearing loud explosions in the city, while state media confirmed one death, although details are limited.
Starmer has previously released his position on the situation in Iran, but Bairstow’s response highlights the immediate humanitarian consequences for British citizens in the conflict zone.
Can you get us home???
— Jonny Bairstow (@jbairstow21) February 28, 2026
The England wicketkeeper-batsman also demanded immediate communication from Emirates after his flight was cancelled, urging the airline to provide clarity and assistance.
@emirates we haven’t had any communication post flight getting cancelled.
Tried the lines of communication but nothing. Could someone please be in contact.— Jonny Bairstow (@jbairstow21) March 1, 2026
Abu Dhabi blasts raise tensions in Middle East
According to Reuters report, witnesses described hearing five loud explosions that shook windows near Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, while similar explosions were also reported in the Al Dhafra and Al Batin areas. On Saturday afternoon, fighter planes were seen hovering over Yas Island, further increasing the atmosphere of alertness.
Residents received mobile phone alerts telling them to seek shelter in the nearest secure building and stay away from windows, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The presence of strategic military sites – including Al Dhafra Air Base, which is used by the UAE and US air forces, and Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port, which is the US Navy’s largest regional facility – has put the UAE in a potentially vulnerable position amid Iran-Israel tensions.
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ECB cancels second ODI due to security concerns
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) moved swiftly to cancel the scheduled 50-over match between the England Lions and Pakistan Lions on Sunday, citing the safety of players and staff as the top priority. In an official statement released on Saturday, the ECB confirmed: “The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority. We are in contact with security experts and the government regarding current events in the Middle East and are following official advice.”
Bairstow’s presence in Abu Dhabi stems from his coaching involvement with the England Lions setup, a role which has kept him connected to the game following his illustrious international career. The 35-year-old, who remains a popular figure in English cricket, now faces a very different challenge to what he expected at sporting events.
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