Three young Bermudian cricketers, Aaron Paynter, Keegan Jones and Isaiah O’Brien, have missed out on an opportunity to tour Sri Lanka as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.

Paynter, Jones and O’Brien were scheduled to travel to the Asian country with the Ontario Cricket Academy from March 11 to 25 for T20 and 50-overs matches. However, the trip has been called off because of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has resulted in travel disruption across the region.

The Bermudians, who have been in Ontario since February 22, left Canada this week after the tour was abandoned.

“It was truly a pleasure having these lads with us over the past couple of weeks as part of our pre-tour camp for Sri Lanka,” said a spokesman for the academy.

“The energy, camaraderie and passion they brought to the environment made the experience special for everyone at OCA.

“Unfortunately, due to the situation in the Middle East, we were forced to cancel the tour at the last minute — a difficult decision for all involved.

“Having Keegan Jones, Aaron Paynter, Isaiah Jones [Bermuda] and Elijah Lewis [St Kitts & Nevis] join us was a reminder of how far the OCA family now reaches across the cricketing world.

“In such a short time they became part of our community, sharing the same love for the game and the journey that cricket takes us on.

“We look forward to the next opportunity to bring everyone together again and continue building these friendships through the game we all love.”

O’Brien was named player of the tour on OCA’s trip to Cape Town, South Africa, last year. He shone with bat and ball on the ten-day trip, with a high score of 67 runs off 42 balls and figures of two for 31.

The all-rounder also prepared for his Cup Match debut with St George’s by utilising the indoor training facilities at OCA.

“Having the opportunity to return to OCA for training was a great experience,” O’Brien said.

“I was able to take part in intense one-on-one sessions, as well as group training with athletes at all levels.

“When the trip was cancelled, it was definitely disappointing. I was really looking forward to competing against some of the top talent and training in some of the best facilities in the world.

“I believe that experience would have helped me prepare even more for the upcoming cricket season. Still, I’d rather be safe than sorry.”

Paynter appreciated the time he spent at the academy as he geared up for the 2026 season.

“My time with OCA was great,” the 22-year-old said.

“It was my first time at the academy and my experience was really good. I took part in one-on-one sessions, as well as larger group sessions which were intense.

“When I first arrived I did not really know anyone, but as time went on I got to know the players and the coaches.

“When I found out the tour to Sri Lanka was cancelled it was disappointing. I was really looking forward to playing in Sri Lanka and I believe that it would have helped me to get into good shape for the upcoming season.

“But our safety is most important and that’s what matters at the end of the day.”