The scheduled white-ball cricket series between Afghanistan national cricket team and Sri Lanka national cricket team in the United Arab Emirates has been postponed indefinitely due to escalating geopolitical tensions in Western Asia and the wider Middle East region.
The tour was originally planned to begin on March 13 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, where the teams were set to play three Twenty20 International matches. Following that, the action was expected to move to Dubai International Cricket Stadium for a three-match One Day International series.
However, growing instability and security concerns across parts of the Middle East have significantly disrupted travel routes to and from the UAE. As a result, cricket officials decided that staging the matches under the current circumstances would not be feasible.
Although neither the Sri Lanka Cricket nor the Afghanistan Cricket Board has released an official public statement yet, reports indicate that both boards have mutually agreed to delay the series until conditions improve.
Both sides recently took part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with Sri Lanka reaching the Super 8 stage as one of the co-hosts. Afghanistan, who had previously impressed the cricketing world by reaching the semi-finals in the 2024 tournament, exited earlier this time but produced one of the most thrilling matches of the competition with a dramatic double-super-over clash against South Africa national cricket team.
The postponement also delays potential milestones for both teams. Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran was expected to make his debut as captain during the series. Meanwhile, it would have marked the first assignment for newly appointed Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten.
Travel complications caused by regional tensions have affected other teams as well. Several international squads currently in the Indian subcontinent have faced delays returning home. In particular, the West Indies cricket team publicly appealed for assistance after experiencing difficulties arranging flights back from the region. Reports suggest that travel arrangements may soon be finalized for both West Indies and the South Africa national cricket team, with departures expected around March 10.
The disruption has also impacted associate cricket events. Teams from the United Arab Emirates and Oman were unable to travel to Nepal for matches scheduled as part of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 qualification competition.
With regional security concerns continuing to dominate headlines, the immediate future of several international cricket fixtures remains uncertain. Cricket authorities are expected to reassess schedules once travel conditions and safety situations improve.
