The bilateral white-ball cricket series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, scheduled for March in the United Arab Emirates, has been postponed until the last quarter of 2026. The Afghanistan Cricket Board cited logistical challenges from ongoing regional tensions, including flight constraints. The decision follows disruptions caused by recent air strikes and drone incidents in the area.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the postponement of the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, originally set to take place in the UAE starting on 13 March. The itinerary included three Twenty20 International matches in Sharjah on 13, 15, and 17 March, followed by three one-day internationals in Dubai on 20, 22, and 25 March.
The rescheduling to the last quarter of 2026 stems from 'logistical challenges, including flight constraints arising from the ongoing regional situation,' according to the ACB. This comes amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, where the United States and Israel have launched air strikes on Iran earlier this month. Widespread travel disruptions have affected the region, with the UAE temporarily restricting its airspace before reopening it after a week.
On Wednesday, four people were injured when two drones fell near Dubai International Airport. The incident highlights the ongoing security concerns impacting international events. For context, the West Indies cricket team recently faced delays, opting to return home from the men's T20 World Cup in India via commercial flights after being stuck in Kolkata since their elimination on 1 March.
Both the ACB and Sri Lanka Cricket are working to find new dates, ensuring the series can proceed later in the year. This postponement underscores how geopolitical tensions continue to influence global sports schedules, particularly in the Middle East.
