As the 2026 tournament approaches, Fifa’s World Cup hosting controversies reach new extremes, writes JAMES NALTON
ENGLAND LIONS have cancelled the remainder of their tour matches against Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi due to ongoing security concerns in the region.
Iran has targeted Israel and other countries across the Middle East with missiles in retaliation to attacks carried out by US and Israeli forces since Saturday morning, which killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Saturday that the Lions’ second 50-over match against the Shaheens in Abu Dhabi on Sunday had been cancelled and have now cut short the tour.
It has also been announced that England Women’s scheduled training camp in Abu Dhabi ahead of this summer’s T20 World Cup has been cancelled.
An ECB statement read: “The remainder of the England Men’s Lions’ tour has been cancelled, and we are working to get everyone home as soon as possible.
“We have ruled out the possibility of England Women’s T20 World Cup camp taking place in Abu Dhabi given the instability across the Gulf.
“Over the weekend we started work on alternative options that will enable England Women to achieve the same outcomes, and we’ll keep you informed as soon as we finalise a new plan.”
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