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By: Isuru Parakrama
March 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s planned limited-overs cricket series against Afghanistan has been postponed indefinitely due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the resulting disruption to regional air travel.
Sri Lanka Cricket officials confirmed that the decision was made after logistical complications arose, particularly with international flight operations to and from the United Arab Emirates. The matches had been scheduled to take place in the UAE this month, but ongoing instability in the region made it impractical for teams and support staff to travel as planned.
The series was set to feature six matches, including three Twenty20 internationals and three One Day Internationals. The T20 fixtures were due to be played in Sharjah on March 13, 15 and 17, while the ODI matches had been arranged for March 20, 22 and 25 in Dubai.
Had the tour gone ahead, it would have marked the first time Afghanistan hosted Sri Lanka for a bilateral series, although the games were to be staged in the UAE due to Afghanistan’s ongoing inability to hold international matches within its own borders.
The decision to postpone the series comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East following military exchanges involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The conflict has caused widespread disruption to airspace in parts of the region, with some airports temporarily suspending operations as a precaution.
The United Arab Emirates, a major aviation hub, has also experienced temporary interruptions to flight services as security concerns increased following missile and drone activity across parts of the Gulf.
Afghanistan’s national cricket team has long been forced to stage its home matches abroad because of security and infrastructure challenges. Over the years, the team has hosted international series primarily in India and the UAE.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket recently confirmed the appointment of former South African international Gary Kirsten as the new head coach of the national men’s team.
Kirsten is expected to assume duties on April 15 under a two-year contract, succeeding Sanath Jayasuriya, who stepped down after Sri Lanka’s early exit from the recent T20 World Cup.
Cricket authorities from both countries are expected to explore alternative dates for the postponed series once the security situation in the region stabilises and travel arrangements return to normal.
