Cricket Series Between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka Cancelled Due to Regional Conflict

Sri Lanka Postpones Cricket Series Against Afghanistan in UAE

A six-match limited-overs cricket series between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan was scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week, but it has been indefinitely postponed due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The teams were set to play 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.

According to a Sri Lanka Cricket official, the decision to cancel was made due to flight disruptions caused by the conflict. The ongoing fighting has spread across the Middle East since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched retaliatory strikes against Iran. Tehran responded with its own attacks, disrupting flights in Dubai, including a brief closure of the airport.

This postponement marks the first time that Afghanistan will host Sri Lanka for a bilateral series. The teams had previously played their home fixtures in India or the UAE due to security concerns. Earlier this month, Sri Lanka Cricket announced Gary Kirsten as the new coach, replacing Sanath Jayasuriya, who stepped down following the team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup.

Kirsten will begin a two-year contract on April 15, despite Jayasuriya’s contract not set to expire until June. The former South African Test player previously served as India coach from 2008 to 2011 and as South Africa coach from 2011 to 2013.

Source: Al Jazeera