Sri Lanka has indefinitely postponed a six-match limited-overs cricket series against Afghanistan scheduled in the UAE due to ongoing Middle East conflict. The decision stems from flight disruptions and regional fighting. This would have been Afghanistan's first bilateral series hosting Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Cricket announced the indefinite postponement of a six-match limited-overs series against Afghanistan, set to take place in the United Arab Emirates this week. The series included three T20 internationals in Sharjah on March 13, 15, and 17, followed by three one-day internationals in Dubai on March 20, 22, and 25.
A Sri Lanka Cricket official explained the cancellation to the AFP news agency, stating, “We had to cancel because of the flight situation… and the ongoing fighting in the region.” The postponement comes amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, which began with attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28. Iran responded with retaliatory strikes, leading to widespread disruptions including missile and drone attacks across the Gulf.
These events have severely impacted air travel, with Dubai's airport briefly closing as Iran targeted sites in the region. Flights across the Middle East, including those to and from the UAE, have been halted or rerouted, making the tour logistically unfeasible.
Afghanistan, which has never hosted an international cricket match on its soil, typically plays home fixtures in India or the UAE. This series would have marked the first time Afghanistan hosted Sri Lanka for a bilateral encounter.
The conflict has broader implications for global sports, with similar disruptions affecting other events in the region. No rescheduling details have been provided yet.
