In a landmark moment for international cricket, Afghanistan will host Sri Lanka for their first-ever bilateral series starting March 13, 2026. Taking place immediately following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup, this six-match white-ball tour will be held across the iconic venues of Sharjah and Dubai in the UAE.
ACB CEO Naseeb Khan described the event as a reflection of the “strength of collaboration” between the two boards, noting that the series is a fundamental part of Afghanistan’s mission to build their squad for upcoming major ICC and ACC trophies.
T20I Series Schedule (Sharjah)
The tour kicks off with a three-match T20I series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. These matches will be crucial for both teams to test their depth in the shortest format following the World Cup.
- March 13: 1st T20I – Sharjah
- March 15: 2nd T20I – Sharjah
- March 17: 3rd T20I – Sharjah
ODI Series Schedule (Dubai)
Following the T20Is, the action moves to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for three One-Day Internationals.
- March 20: 1st ODI – Dubai
- March 22: 2nd ODI – Dubai
- March 25: 3rd ODI – Dubai
Why This Series Matters
- Historic First: While these two nations have met in multi-team tournaments like the Asia Cup and World Cups, this marks the first time Sri Lanka is participating in a bilateral series officially hosted by Afghanistan.
- Preparation for 2027: Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley De Silva noted that the tour is vital for planning and preparing for future international assignments, including the lead-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
- Spin Battle: Fans can expect a high-quality tactical battle, particularly between the world-class spin attacks of both nations on the traditionally slow and turning tracks of the UAE.
