Cricket boards call off Shaheens vs England ODI series amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

ABU DHABI: The one‑day series between the Pakistan Shaheens and England Lions was called off as rising tensions in the Middle East, driven by strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, prompted cricket authorities to prioritise safety and security.

The Pakistan Cricket Board and England and Wales Cricket Board announced the mutual decision to cancel the remaining unofficial ODIs in Abu Dhabi amid the regional instability caused by the escalating conflict.

In a joint statement, the boards said the safety of players, officials and supporting staff is paramount, and that the “prevailing situation” following US‑Israeli military action against Iran made it unsafe to continue the series.

The cancellation adds to wider disruption across international sport in the Gulf as airspace closures and security concerns mount across the region in response to the strikes.