Middle East Tensions Force Sri Lanka to Call Off Afghanistan Series in UAE

Sri Lanka national cricket team has postponed its planned white-ball series against the Afghanistan national cricket team in the United Arab Emirates due to rising tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to regional air travel.

According to an official from Sri Lanka Cricket, the six-match series had to be called off because of the ongoing security situation and difficulties with flight operations in the region.

The tour was scheduled to feature three T20 Internationals in Sharjah on March 13, 15 and 17, followed by three One-Day Internationals in Dubai on March 20, 22 and 25.

The series would have marked the first time Afghanistan hosted Sri Lanka for a bilateral contest. However, escalating tensions in the Middle East—after military strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28 and subsequent retaliatory attacks—have disrupted travel and operations across the region.

Air travel has been particularly affected, with temporary disruptions at major airports including those in Dubai.

Afghanistan has never hosted an international cricket match within its own territory due to security concerns and typically stages its “home” series in venues such as the UAE or India.