The England Lions program is entering a bold new era as Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali join Andrew Flintoff’s coaching staff for a high-stakes white-ball series against the Pakistan Shaheens. Set to take place next month in Abu Dhabi, this tour signals the return of competitive limited-overs cricket to the Lions’ schedule for the first time in three years. For fans and players alike, the move represents a strategic pivot in how England nurtures its next generation of talent ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Historically, England has leaned on domestic county cricket and overseas franchise leagues to bridge the gap between youth levels and the senior squad. However, this tour—consisting of three T20s and five 50-over matches—aims to provide a more structured international pathway. The T20 series is the first for the Lions since 2018, and it marks their first 50-over outing since early 2023.
A Star-Studded Coaching Unit and Injury Comebacks
The headline story remains the involvement of England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes. Following a groin injury sustained during the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney earlier this month, Stokes is using this tour as a vital part of his rehabilitation. Having previously mentored players alongside Flintoff at the Northern Superchargers, his presence in the dressing room is expected to be a massive boost for the younger squad members. Meanwhile, Moeen Ali continues his transition into the coaching world, fresh off the news that he has reversed his retirement from domestic cricket to join Yorkshire for the T20 Blast.
The squads themselves are packed with talent looking to make a statement. Jordan Cox will captain the 16-man T20 squad, which includes Saqib Mahmood. Mahmood’s return from knee surgery is particularly timely; both he and Cox will remain on standby in Abu Dhabi in case injuries strike the senior England team currently competing in the T20 World Cup. Notably, Mahmood, Adil Rashid, and Rehan Ahmed have all recently secured their India visas, clearing a significant administrative hurdle for their future international commitments.
Building a Pathway to the 2027 World Cup
England’s Performance Director, Ed Barney, emphasized that this tour is about more than just immediate results. With the 2027 ICC Men’s World Cup in South Africa on the horizon, the Lions program is being revitalized to ensure players are “international-ready.” The inclusion of James Coles, who starred in the SA20, and Nathan Sowter, rewarded for his domestic dominance with Durham, shows that consistent performance is being recognized.
In the 50-over format, Dan Mousley takes the captaincy reins for a 17-man squad. The roster includes Somerset’s rising star James Rew and seamer Matthew Potts, the latter looking to bounce back from a difficult outing at the SCG. Following this Abu Dhabi stint, the Lions have a busy 2026 schedule, including matches against South Africa A and Sri Lanka, ensuring that the pipeline of English cricket remains as robust as ever.
England Lions Fixtures (Abu Dhabi):
- T20 Series: February 20, 22, and 24
- 50-Over Series: February 27, March 1, 4, 6, and 9
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium
