Middle East Crisis Forces Postponement of Afghanistan-Sri Lanka Cricket Series

The cricket series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, initially set for March in the United Arab Emirates, has been delayed due to the escalating crisis in the Middle East, as reported by the media on Wednesday. The teams were slated to compete in three Twenty20 matches in Sharjah and three One-Day Internationals in Dubai from March 13 to March 25.

The geopolitical tensions, following a U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran, have impacted numerous countries across the Gulf, leading to disruptions in several major transit hubs and the cancellation of several sporting events. Afghanistan Cricket Board's chief executive, Naseeb Khan, confirmed the series' postponement, citing logistics, flight issues, and the regional situation as contributing factors.

Efforts to shift the matches to Sri Lanka were stymied by a lack of available flights from the UAE. Moreover, organizing production, hotels, ground bookings, and security quickly proved challenging. As a result, it was ultimately decided to postpone the series. The Sri Lanka Cricket board has not yet commented on the situation.