Afghanistan-Sri Lanka UAE series postponed amid regional tensions

The upcoming limited-overs series between Afghanistan national cricket team and Sri Lanka national cricket team in the United Arab Emirates has been postponed due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, according to media reports on Wednesday.

The two sides were originally scheduled to play three T20 internationals in Sharjah and three one-day internationals in Dubai from March 13 to March 25.

However, rising tensions in the region following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran have disrupted travel across several Gulf countries. The situation has affected flight operations at major transit hubs and forced the cancellation or postponement of multiple sporting events.

Naseeb Khan, chief executive of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, confirmed the decision, citing travel and logistical challenges.

He said the board also explored shifting the matches to Sri Lanka and remained in contact with Sri Lanka Cricket. However, the lack of available flights from the UAE made the option impractical.

Khan added that arranging broadcast production, accommodation, stadium bookings and security at such short notice also proved too difficult, leaving postponement as the only viable choice.

Officials from Sri Lanka Cricket had not issued an immediate response regarding the development. A new schedule for the series is expected to be announced later.