England cricketer Jonny Bairstow Rising Middle East tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States prompted an emotional public plea for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to help bring the England Lions team back from Abu Dhabi as the team was disrupted amid missile threats and explosions in the UAE capital. Bairstow, who currently serves in a coaching role with the Lions, took to social media in the early hours of Sunday to make a desperate plea amid heightened security concerns in the region.
“Can you drive us home?”: Bairstow’s desperate plea to the UK Prime Minister
The former England international responded directly to Starmer’s official statement on Iran on Saturday night with a scathing four-word message: “Can you take us home???” The appeal came after multiple residents in Abu Dhabi reported hearing loud explosions across the city, with state media confirming that one person had died, although details were scarce.
Starmer has previously made his stance on the escalating situation in Iran clear, but Bairstow’s response highlighted the immediate human consequences faced by British citizens caught in the conflict zone.
Can you take us home???
— Jonny Bairstow (@jbairstow21) February 28, 2026
The England goalkeeper also requested urgent contact from Emirates after his flight was cancelled, urging the airline to provide clarification and assistance.
@emirates We have not experienced any post-contact flight cancellations.
I tried the communication lines but nothing. Can someone please get in touch.— Jonny Bairstow (@jbairstow21) March 1, 2026
As the tension in the Middle East increased, explosions occurred in Abu Dhabi
Witnesses reported hearing five rapid explosions that shook windows near Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, and similar explosions were also reported in Al Dhafra and Al Batin areas, Reuters reported. Fighter jets were seen circling over Yas Island on Saturday afternoon, sending the air into high alert.
Residents received cellphone alerts instructing them to shelter in the nearest safe building and stay away from windows due to the missile threat, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The presence of strategic military installations, including Al Dhafra Air Base, used by both the UAE and US air forces, and Dubai’s Jebel Ali port, which serves as the US Navy’s largest regional facility, have left the UAE potentially vulnerable amid Iran-Israel tensions.
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The ECB cancels the second one-day program due to security concerns
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) moved swiftly to cancel Sunday’s scheduled 50-plus match between the England Lions and the Pakistan Falcons, putting the safety of players and staff above all else. 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 stint in the England Lions set-up, a role that has kept him involved in the game since his illustrious international career. The 35-year-old, who remains a popular figure in English cricket, now faces a very different challenge than the sporting events he expected.
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