Northants player Calvin Harrison part of England Lions squad 'following official advice' in UAE
Northants cricketer Calvin Harrison is part of the England Lions squad that is currently unable to leave their Abu Dhabi base due to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
The Lions have been in the United Arab Emirates since late February, having played a three-match T20 series against Pakistan's A team.
Harrison played as the Lions won the opening match of the scheduled five-match 50-over series on Friday, but the second game on Sunday, which was due to be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, was cancelled.
The touring party, which numbers 25, is currently 'following official advice' in the UAE after Iran launched attacks throughout the Middle East region in response to American and Israeli strikes across its territory on Saturday morning.
It is understood the Lions players and staff are currently confined to their hotel as they await further information.
The Lions, who are coached by Andrew Flintoff, are next due in action on Wednesday, but that fixture and the two that follow on March 6 and 9 have to be in serious doubt.
England Test captain Ben Stokes is also with the Lions squad in a coaching capacity.
The England women's team were also scheduled to fly to Abu Dhabi for a training camp on Wednesday (March 4), but that trip has been postponed.
An England & Wales Cricket Board statement read: “The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority.
"We are in contact with security experts and the Government in relation to current events in the Middle East, and are following official advice.
"We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and official advice in relation to the future of these trips."
Harrison, who is 27, signed a two-year deal with Northants over the winter after being released from his contract at Nottinghamshire.
The leg-spinner played 10 Championship matches for Northants last season while on loan from the Trent Bridge side.