Intro
England women relocate preparatory camp after security concerns cancel planned Abu Dhabi training
London
The England women’s national cricket team has shifted its preparatory camp for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to South Africa after cancelling plans to train in Abu Dhabi due to escalating security concerns in the Middle East.
The camp was originally scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi, but the England and Wales Cricket Board opted to relocate it following tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Instead, around 30 players will assemble in Pretoria for a training camp that will run from March 10 to 27. The players will be split into two squads of 15 each to compete in a five-match intra-squad series designed to simulate competitive match conditions ahead of the tournament.
The two sides have been named in honour of England legends Jan Brittin and Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, both members of England teams that won the Women’s World Cup on home soil.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt will lead Team Brittin, coached by former Durham County Cricket Club batter and England assistant coach Jon Lewis. Vice-captain Charlie Dean will captain Team Heyhoe-Flint, with assistant coach Luke Williams guiding the side.
Head coach Charlotte Edwards will oversee both squads during the camp and said the intra-squad series will be crucial for players hoping to secure places in England’s World Cup squad.
“This is a big opportunity for every player involved to put their hand up and demonstrate that they’re an invaluable part of our World Cup plans,” Edwards said. “It’s the same chance for every player, whether they’re new to the team or have played over 100 games.”
She added that the camp will provide players with valuable match practice after earlier training sessions this year focused mainly on skill development.
The Pretoria camp will mark England’s second training stint in South Africa in 2026, following a skill-based camp in Stellenbosch last month and an earlier preparation trip to Oman in January.
England are scheduled to host New Zealand women’s national cricket team and India women’s national cricket team in white-ball series before the World Cup begins on June 12, followed by a historic women’s Test against India at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
