Sri Lanka-Afghanistan Series Postponed Over Regional Conflict

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have indefinitely postponed a six-match white-ball cricket series scheduled to begin this week in the United Arab Emirates, officials confirmed on Monday, citing escalating military conflict and flight disruptions across West Asia.

The series, comprising three Twenty20 internationals and three one-day internationals, was set to start on March 13 in Sharjah, with T20 matches planned for March 13, 15 and 17. The one-day games were slated for Dubai on March 20, 22 and 25. A Sri Lanka Cricket official told reporters that the decision stemmed from safety concerns. "We had to cancel because of the flight situation and the ongoing fighting in the region," the official said.

Neither the Afghanistan Cricket Board nor Sri Lanka Cricket has issued a formal public statement, but administrators from both sides have agreed the fixtures cannot proceed in the UAE amid the current instability. Discussions on alternative venues or dates are underway, though relocation appears unlikely due to tight international schedules and additional travel complications.

The conflict intensified after attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory...