The planned bilateral white-ball cricket series between Afghanistan national cricket team and Sri Lanka national cricket team has been postponed due to regional instability and travel-related complications, officials have confirmed. The decision was announced by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), which stated that the series—originally scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates—will now likely be rescheduled for late 2026.
The six-match tour, consisting of three Twenty20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals, had been scheduled to begin on 13 March. Matches were to be staged at two prominent venues in the UAE: the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
According to the initial itinerary, the T20I fixtures were to be played in Sharjah on 13, 15 and 17 March. The teams would then travel to Dubai, where the ODI series was scheduled for 20, 22 and 25 March. Preparations for the tournament had already progressed significantly, with both venues ready to host the matches.
Below is a summary of the originally planned schedule:
| Match Type | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | 13 March | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
| 2nd T20I | 15 March | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
| 3rd T20I | 17 March | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
| 1st ODI | 20 March | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| 2nd ODI | 22 March | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| 3rd ODI | 25 March | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
The Emirates Cricket Board had been working closely with Afghan cricket authorities to ensure the smooth organisation of the series. All required administrative approvals had reportedly been secured, and logistical preparations—including venue readiness, broadcast arrangements and security measures—had largely been completed.
However, unforeseen developments in the region earlier in March created significant uncertainty surrounding international travel and event logistics. These issues affected both teams’ travel plans as well as operational arrangements for staging the fixtures. Officials involved in the planning process noted that the disruptions made it increasingly difficult to guarantee a secure and smoothly organised series.
In response, the Afghanistan Cricket Board held several consultations with key stakeholders, including representatives from the Emirates Cricket Board and management authorities of the two venues. Initially, organisers attempted to assess whether the series could proceed as scheduled. After further review, however, it became evident that the logistical challenges could not be resolved in time.
Consequently, both cricket boards agreed to postpone the tour rather than risk organisational complications or player inconvenience.
Despite the setback, the ACB emphasised that the series remains an important fixture for both sides, particularly as they continue preparations for upcoming international competitions in both the T20 and ODI formats. Officials indicated that the United Arab Emirates remains the preferred host location for the rearranged tour.
A revised schedule is expected to be announced later following consultations between the two boards and the relevant cricket authorities.