The white-ball series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, scheduled to take place in the UAE from March 13 to 25, is likely to be postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing military conflict in West Asia.
Although neither the Afghanistan Cricket Board nor Sri Lanka Cricket has released an official statement, reports suggest both boards agree that the series cannot take place in the UAE because of the current situation. Discussions about possible alternatives are ongoing, but shifting the series to another venue appears unlikely because of logistical challenges.
The six-match white-ball series was set to begin on March 13 with three T20Is. The matches were scheduled in Sharjah on March 13, 15 and 17. The three ODIs were planned in Dubai on March 20, 22 and 25.
The tour was also expected to mark Afghanistan’s first series under new captain Ibrahim Zadran, who recently took over the leadership from Rashid Khan after the team’s group-stage exit from the World Cup.
The regional conflict has already affected international cricket schedules. Last week, six matches of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 in Nepal involving Oman, UAE and the hosts were postponed.
Travel arrangements for several teams participating in the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka have also faced disruption due to restricted or closed airspace in parts of West Asia.
Despite their elimination from the tournament, the West Indies and South Africa squads remained stuck in Kolkata because of travel complications. The teams only received confirmation on Sunday that they would be able to fly out on Tuesday.
