AFG vs SL White-Ball Series Delayed to Late 2026 Amid Middle East Crisis, Says ACB
Synopsis
In response to ongoing regional issues, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has postponed the highly anticipated AFG vs SL white-ball series to late 2026, originally scheduled for March 2023 in the UAE. Discover the implications of this decision on international cricket.
Key Takeaways
Postponement: AFG vs SL series delayed to late 2026.
Logistical Issues: Flight restrictions cited as primary reason.
Match Details: Six white-ball matches planned, including T20s and ODIs.
Venue: UAE remained the preferred location for rescheduling.
Collaboration: ACB coordinated with SLC and ECB throughout the process.
Kabul, March 11 (NationPress) - The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Wednesday that the bilateral series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, originally planned to commence on March 13 in the United Arab Emirates, has been rescheduled to late 2026. This decision is attributed to logistical challenges, including flight restrictions arising from the ongoing regional circumstances.
This tour would have been significant, marking Afghanistan’s inaugural hosting of Sri Lanka, featuring a total of six white-ball matches. The schedule included three T20 Internationals at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on March 13, 15, and 17, followed by three One Day Internationals at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 20, 22, and 25.
“After receiving the necessary sanction from the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), preparations were in place to host the fixtures at both venues. However, unforeseen circumstances in early March led to logistical constraints that impacted travel and operational planning for the series,” the ACB stated.
“In light of the situation, the ACB engaged in discussions with key stakeholders, including the ECB, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and Dubai International Cricket Stadium. A collaborative meeting on March 4 resulted in a recommendation to monitor the evolving situation and reassess by March 6, hoping for an improvement in conditions. A follow-up meeting on March 7 suggested waiting until March 9 for a final decision,” the statement continued.
The ACB also noted that the Sri Lanka Cricket Board was kept informed throughout this process. The decision to postpone the series was made with the agreement of the SLC, and the UAE remains the preferred location for the rescheduled matches, with new dates to be announced after further discussions among the boards and stakeholders.
“Despite the collective efforts to proceed as planned, the logistical challenges proved to be beyond operational control, leading to the postponement of the series and the exploration of rescheduling options. The ACB extends its gratitude to the ECB, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, and SLC for their ongoing cooperation and support in addressing this issue and protecting the interests of all involved parties. The ACB remains dedicated to arranging the series at the earliest feasible opportunity while maintaining its strong cricketing relationship with SLC,” the board concluded.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the broader implications of the ACB's decision to postpone the series against Sri Lanka. While logistical challenges are the stated reason, the current political climate in the Middle East raises concerns about safety and operational feasibility. This postponement reflects a cautious approach, prioritizing the welfare of players and officials, while also aiming to maintain the integrity of international cricket relations.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the AFG vs SL series postponed?
The series was postponed due to logistical challenges, including flight restrictions caused by current regional circumstances.
When will the series now take place?
The series has been rescheduled to late 2026, with specific dates to be announced after further coordination.
How many matches were planned for the series?
The series was set to feature a total of six white-ball matches, including three T20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals.
Which venues were selected for the matches?
The matches were scheduled to be held at Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the UAE.
What is the ACB's stance on the postponement?
The ACB has expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and remains committed to rescheduling the series at the earliest suitable opportunity.
