Afghanistan will stage a six-match white-ball tour against Sri Lanka in the UAE from 13 to 25 March, marking the first time the Afghans have formally “hosted” the islanders.
Schedule at a glance
• T20Is: Sharjah – 13, 15, 17 March
• ODIs: Dubai – 20, 22, 25 March
The timing is tight. The T20I leg begins only five days after the men’s T20 World Cup wraps up on 8 March, while the final ODI finishes a day before both the IPL and PSL start on 26 March. Franchise regulars such as Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Dasun Shanaka and Kusal Perera are pencilled in for those leagues; selectors on both sides will need to juggle workloads carefully.
Context and history
• Second bilateral T20I series between the sides – the first came in February 2024.
• Fourth bilateral ODI meeting after series in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
• They last met in any format at the Asia Cup in September 2025.
What’s at stake?
With the 2027 ODI World Cup qualification cycle already under way, the three 50-over matches carry ranking points. Afghanistan’s team manager, Mirwais Ashraf, said earlier this week, “Every game against a Full Member counts, and neutral venues give us a fair shot.” Sri Lanka’s white-ball coach, Chris Silverwood, echoed that view: “Sharjah and Dubai replicate Asian conditions but still test skill levels—good preparation for what’s coming.”
Player availability
Neither board has released squads yet, though both indicated they’ll lean on experienced cores. One Afghanistan selector admitted, “We’ll talk to the IPL franchises; a short window like this needs cooperation.” Sri Lanka Cricket is expected to announce its touring party once fitness updates on Wanindu Hasaranga and Dilshan Madushanka are confirmed.
Analysis
The condensed window reflects the modern calendar: ICC events, bilateral obligations and lucrative leagues jostling for space. For Afghanistan, “hosting” in the UAE remains the practical route until security conditions ease at home. For Sri Lanka, the trip offers competitive cricket just before their players disperse to various T20 commitments.
That overlap can be tricky, but it also keeps both squads match-hardened. Expect spinners to dominate in Sharjah, while Dubai’s true surface should aid strokemakers in the ODIs.
Looking ahead
Tickets and broadcast details will follow in the coming days. For now, supporters know they have six competitive fixtures, neatly tucked between two of the sport’s biggest tournaments—busy, yes, but very much the way of international cricket in 2026.
