Sri Lanka Postpones White-Ball Series Against Afghanistan in UAE Amid Middle East Tensions
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has indefinitely postponed the national team’s upcoming white-ball series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates. Officials cited severe flight disruptions and escalating regional conflicts as the primary reasons for the cancellation.
Logistical Challenges and Security Concerns
The series, originally slated to begin this week, was disrupted following heightened geopolitical tensions across the Middle East. An official representative from Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed the decision on Monday, prioritizing player safety and logistical feasibility over the scheduled sporting events.
“We had to cancel because of the flight situation and the ongoing fighting in the region,” a Sri Lanka Cricket official stated to AFP.
According to regulations and scheduling overseen by the International Cricket Council, Afghanistan frequently utilizes the UAE as a home base for international fixtures. The nation has historically hosted its home series in either the United Arab Emirates or India due to ongoing domestic constraints.
Original Series Itinerary
The tour was set to be a milestone event, marking the first time Afghanistan formally hosted Sri Lanka for a bilateral series. The teams were scheduled to compete in three T20 Internationals in Sharjah, followed by a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series in Dubai.
| Date | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| March 13 | 1st T20I | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
| March 15 | 2nd T20I | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
| March 17 | 3rd T20I | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
| March 20 | 1st ODI | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| March 22 | 2nd ODI | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| March 25 | 3rd ODI | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
Impact on Future Tours
Recent regional conflicts have severely impacted airspace and commercial flight routes. Dubai International Airport experienced brief closures earlier in the week due to security protocols surrounding regional airspace violations. Sri Lanka Cricket administrators are currently reviewing alternative windows to reschedule the matches, though no immediate timeline has been established.
Cricket analysts tracking global fixtures can monitor the ESPNcricinfo database for updates on how this postponement affects the Future Tours Programme (FTP) standings moving forward.