New Delhi: The white-ball series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka has been postponed as rising tensions in the Middle East disrupt travel and logistics, the Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed on Wednesday.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!The bilateral series was originally scheduled to begin in the United Arab Emirates on March 13, but has been postponed until the end of 2026 due to ongoing regional uncertainty and flight restrictions affecting team movement.The Afghanistan Cricket Board explained in a statement that preparations have been completed to host the matches at both venues after obtaining the necessary approvals from the UAE Cricket Board.“Following receipt of the required approvals from the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), preparations for hosting the matches at both venues were completed. However, in early March, unforeseen developments created logistical constraints that affected travel arrangements and operational planning for the series,” the ACB said.The tour will mark the first time Afghanistan hosts Sri Lanka in a bilateral series and will feature six white-ball matches. The three T20 internationals were originally scheduled to be played at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on March 13, 15 and 17, before being moved to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for three one-day internationals on March 20, 22 and 25.According to ACB, multiple consultations were held with key stakeholders before the final decision was taken. The board confirmed that meetings had been held with venue authorities and organizers to monitor the evolving situation.“To resolve the issue, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has conducted a series of consultations with key stakeholders including the Emirates Cricket Board, Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Dubai International Cricket Stadium,” the statement said.Despite efforts by all parties to move the event forward, logistical challenges remained beyond operational control.The ACB said the Sri Lanka Cricket Board was informed throughout the process and agreed to the postponement. The UAE is expected to remain the preferred venue when the series is rescheduled.ACB added: “Despite concerted efforts by all parties to proceed with the event as planned, logistical challenges remain beyond operational control, leading to the decision to postpone the series and explore rescheduling options.”
