The upcoming white ball series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka has been canceled due to the West Asia war. The bilateral series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka was originally scheduled to begin on March 13 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but has been rescheduled for the last quarter of 2026.
Both the teams were to play three T20 Internationals in Sharjah followed by three One Day Internationals in Dubai. However, the regional situation and flight disruptions across the Middle East have disrupted international travel, forcing the organizers concerned to halt the cricket series.
Afghanistan Cricket Board issued an official statement
The ACB issued an official statement following the crisis involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The Board highlighted that its initial preparations had been completed, but unexpected events in the field seriously impacted its operational planning.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced that due to logistical challenges including flight constraints arising from the current regional situation, the Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka bilateral series has been rescheduled to the last quarter of 2026,” the statement said.
“After receiving the necessary approvals from the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), preparations were finalized to host the matches at both venues. However, in early March, unexpected events created logistical hurdles, affecting travel arrangements and operational plans for the series.”
Logistical challenges remain beyond operational control – ACB
The cricket board said they had consulted with the Emirates Cricket Board and local stadiums in early March, but the logistical challenges were completely beyond their control, forcing the decision to be postponed.
“Despite the collective efforts of all parties to proceed with the event as planned, the logistical challenges remained beyond operational control, leading to the decision to postpone the series and explore rescheduling options,” the statement said.
“Throughout this entire process, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) was kept fully informed, and the decision to postpone the series was taken in consultation and consent with Sri Lanka Cricket.”
“The preferred venue for the rescheduled series remains the UAE, and new dates will be announced in due course after further coordination between the respective boards and stakeholders.”
ACB is determined to win the series against Sri Lanka
Recently, the campaigns of Afghanistan and Sri Lanka during the T20 World Cup 2026 were disappointing. The Afghan team was eliminated during the group stage and finished third in Group D. Meanwhile, co-hosts Sri Lanka managed to qualify for the Super 8s.
After finishing second in Group B, the Sri Lankan team failed to qualify for the semi-finals. They finished last in their respective group, ending their global tournament run on a bitter note.
“The Afghanistan Cricket Board sincerely appreciates the Emirates Cricket Board, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Sri Lanka Cricket for their continued cooperation and support in addressing this matter and protecting the interests of all parties involved.”
“ACB is committed to holding the series at the earliest appropriate opportunity and continuing its strong cricketing relationship with Sri Lanka Cricket.”
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