Sri Lanka tour of UAE (2026) - [3 T20Is and 3 ODIs against Afghanistan postponed due to security concerns] [Update@post#10]

[Ball Blazer]

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirms that it will host Sri Lanka for a white-ball series, consisting of three ODIs and as many T20I matches from March 13 to 25 in the UAE.

The series will begin with its T20I leg and will see both teams go head-to-head in the first T20I match scheduled for March 13 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with the 2nd and 3rd T20Is scheduled to be played on the 15th and 17th of March at the same venue.

The action will then shift to Dubai for the ODI series, with matches scheduled to be held on March 20, 22, and 25 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Mr. Naseeb Khan, CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, said: "We are delighted to host Sri Lanka for the first time in our history. This event reflects the strength of our collaboration with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, and we are committed to further strengthening our relationship to provide a high-quality cricket experience in the future. Sri Lanka has been playing excellent cricket recently, and we look forward to what promises to be a competitive white-ball series between two quality sides."

"Additionally, the series is fundamental to our mission as we begin to further build our team and enhance key areas that need improvement. Our primary goal is to prepare the team for the major ICC and ACC events and the numerous bilateral commitments scheduled over the next two years." He further added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ashley De Silva, CEO, Sri Lanka Cricket, stated: "Bilateral cricket is an important element in international cricket, and we are extremely happy to be a part of this historic tour, as this is the first time Sri Lanka is engaging in a bilateral series hosted by Afghanistan. I am confident this tour will help us plan and prepare for our future international assignments".

Both teams will begin the series just after the completion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

 

[sweep_shot]

Afghanistan will probably win.

UAE conditions suit Afghanistan.

 

[Kianig89]

SL will gain nothing from playing against AFG, infact they will regress further

 

[light]

SL will gain nothing from playing against AFG, infact they will regress further

Comments like this is why nobody plays associate teams and cricket doesn't grow world wide. Its not always about growth, sometimes spreading the game matters. Also, AFG is a pretty good team these days so it will be competitive between these two

 

[BouncerGuy]

Kabul, March 5, 2026: Afghanistan Cricket Board’s National Selection Committee today finalized the Afghanistan National Team’s Squads for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka.

Top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran, who previously served as the vice-captain in T20Is, has replaced Rashid Khan as the captain of the Afghanistan T20I team.

Left-arm fast bowler Fazal Haq Farooqi, all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq, who were part of the squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, have been left out from both the squads.

Meanwhile, top-order wicket-keeper batter, Noor Rahman, the left-arm spin bowling all-rounder, Sharafuddin Ashraf and left-arm fast bowler Fareed Ahmad have been selected for the T20I squad. Additionally, the Fareed Ahmad Malik makes his comeback to the ODI squad, while fast bowler, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi receives his maiden call-up for the ODI team.

Bilal Sami, who picked up a five-wicket haul and grabbed the Player of the Match award in his last ODI outing, retains his place in the ODI squad and has also been added to the reserves pool in the T20I squad.

Alongside Bilal Sami, Nangyal Kharoti and Ijaz Ahmadzai will be part of the T20I reserves, while Bashir Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi and Qais Ahmad have been included in the reserves pool in the ODI squad.

ACB’s Chief Selector, Mr. Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, stated: “Rashid Khan’s tenure as the T20I captain brought immense success to the team, particularly highlighted by the team’s remarkable journey in the 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup, where we reached the semi-finals. In alignment with the ACB’s long-term strategic vision and following recent changes in our Team Management, including the appointment of a new head coach, we have made the thoughtful decision to transition the leadership within the T20I setup.”

“Ibrahim Zadran, who has served as Rashid Khan’s deputy, will assume the role as Afghanistan’s regular captain in this format. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rashid Khan for his valuable contributions and wish Ibrahim Zadran every success in this important new role.”

“In addition, our long-term goal is to adequately prepare the team for the upcoming two World Cup events. We are hopeful that, under this new leadership, the National Team will not only flourish but also showcase outstanding performances and build a strong and competitive bench strength for the crucial challenges that lie ahead,” he added.

Afghanistan’s T20I Squad:

Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik and Abdullah Ahmadzai.

Reserves: Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami and Ijaz Ahmadzai.

Afghanistan’s ODI Squad:

Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik and Bilal Sami.

Reserves: Qais Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi and Bashir Ahmad.

Meanwhile, the ACB is closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the region and is engaging in discussions with all stakeholders about whether the series can proceed with the series as originally planned, both in terms of dates and venue.

Although a final decision will be made in a couple of days, the ACB’s initial approach, in coordination with the ECB and venue authorities, is to proceed with the originally scheduled dates. Should circumstances necessitate a change, the ACB will consider exploring alternative options for both the host country and the event schedule.

Etisalat Afghanistan Telecommunication Company holds the title sponsorship rights, while SuperCola remains the "powered by" sponsor, and Vany continues to be ACB’s clothing partner during the event.

ACB Name Squads for the White Ball Series against Sri Lanka

Kabul, March 5, 2026: Afghanistan Cricket Board’s National Selection Committee today finalized the Afghanistan National Team’s Squads for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka.

acb.af

 

[hassan918]

Kabul, March 5, 2026: Afghanistan Cricket Board’s National Selection Committee today finalized the Afghanistan National Team’s Squads for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka.

Top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran, who previously served as the vice-captain in T20Is, has replaced Rashid Khan as the captain of the Afghanistan T20I team.

Left-arm fast bowler Fazal Haq Farooqi, all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq, who were part of the squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, have been left out from both the squads.

Meanwhile, top-order wicket-keeper batter, Noor Rahman, the left-arm spin bowling all-rounder, Sharafuddin Ashraf and left-arm fast bowler Fareed Ahmad have been selected for the T20I squad. Additionally, the Fareed Ahmad Malik makes his comeback to the ODI squad, while fast bowler, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi receives his maiden call-up for the ODI team.

Bilal Sami, who picked up a five-wicket haul and grabbed the Player of the Match award in his last ODI outing, retains his place in the ODI squad and has also been added to the reserves pool in the T20I squad.

Alongside Bilal Sami, Nangyal Kharoti and Ijaz Ahmadzai will be part of the T20I reserves, while Bashir Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi and Qais Ahmad have been included in the reserves pool in the ODI squad.

ACB’s Chief Selector, Mr. Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, stated: “Rashid Khan’s tenure as the T20I captain brought immense success to the team, particularly highlighted by the team’s remarkable journey in the 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup, where we reached the semi-finals. In alignment with the ACB’s long-term strategic vision and following recent changes in our Team Management, including the appointment of a new head coach, we have made the thoughtful decision to transition the leadership within the T20I setup.”

“Ibrahim Zadran, who has served as Rashid Khan’s deputy, will assume the role as Afghanistan’s regular captain in this format. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rashid Khan for his valuable contributions and wish Ibrahim Zadran every success in this important new role.”

“In addition, our long-term goal is to adequately prepare the team for the upcoming two World Cup events. We are hopeful that, under this new leadership, the National Team will not only flourish but also showcase outstanding performances and build a strong and competitive bench strength for the crucial challenges that lie ahead,” he added.

Afghanistan’s T20I Squad:

Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Rahman (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik and Abdullah Ahmadzai.

Reserves: Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami and Ijaz Ahmadzai.

Afghanistan’s ODI Squad:

Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik and Bilal Sami.

Reserves: Qais Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi and Bashir Ahmad.

Meanwhile, the ACB is closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the region and is engaging in discussions with all stakeholders about whether the series can proceed with the series as originally planned, both in terms of dates and venue.

Although a final decision will be made in a couple of days, the ACB’s initial approach, in coordination with the ECB and venue authorities, is to proceed with the originally scheduled dates. Should circumstances necessitate a change, the ACB will consider exploring alternative options for both the host country and the event schedule.

Etisalat Afghanistan Telecommunication Company holds the title sponsorship rights, while SuperCola remains the "powered by" sponsor, and Vany continues to be ACB’s clothing partner during the event.

ACB Name Squads for the White Ball Series against Sri Lanka

Kabul, March 5, 2026: Afghanistan Cricket Board’s National Selection Committee today finalized the Afghanistan National Team’s Squads for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka.

acb.af

Looks like a good squad.

 

[shah9425]

Rashid stripped of captaincy that is a surprise

 

[Cricket Warrior]

As per reports the white-ball series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, scheduled to be held in the UAE from March 13 to 25, is likely to be postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing instability in West Asia.

While neither ACB nor SLC has issued an official statement, it is understood that both boards have agreed the series cannot take place in the UAE, keeping the current crisis in mind.

 

[sweep_shot]

As per reports the white-ball series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, scheduled to be held in the UAE from March 13 to 25, is likely to be postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing instability in West Asia.

While neither ACB nor SLC has issued an official statement, it is understood that both boards have agreed the series cannot take place in the UAE, keeping the current crisis in mind.

Why not play it in SL?

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Afghanistan's upcoming series against Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates has been postponed until the end of the year because of the current conflict in the Middle East.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that the bilateral series, scheduled to begin on 13 March in the UAE, has been rescheduled to the last quarter of 2026 "due to logistical challenges, including flight constraints arising from the ongoing regional situation".

Sharjah had been set to host three Twenty20 International matches on 13, 15, and 17 March, with three one-day internationals to follow in Dubai on 20, 22, and 25 March.

There has been widespread travel disruption across the region since the United States and Israel began launching air strikes on Iran earlier this month.

Though the UAE has reopened its airspace after a week of restrictions, four people were injured after two drones "fell in the vicinity" of Dubai International Airport early on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, the West Indies team announced they would return home from the men's T20 World Cup in India via commercial flights, after being stuck in Kolkata since they were eliminated from the tournament on 1 March.

BBC