The Sri Lanka-Afghanistan cricket series scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been called off due to rising tensions in the Middle East.
The series was scheduled to be held from March 13 to 25.
The tensions have increased with Iranian attacks in some parts of the region after the US-Israeli strikes reported that Iran’s supreme leader was killed.
Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva said that they are closely monitoring the current situation before taking a final decision.
“We are scheduled to leave for Dubai on March 10. We will have to assess the situation in the UAE in the next few days before taking a decision,” de Silva said.
“We are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East. If this continues, I think even Afghanistan will not be able to travel to the UAE. Security is our main concern. If there is even the slightest risk, we will not travel,” he said.
The two teams are scheduled to play three T20 internationals in Sharjah on March 13, 15 and 17, and three ODIs in Dubai on March 20, 22 and 25.
Reports of attacks in some parts of the region, including areas near major transport hubs, have raised travel and security concerns, prompting some airlines to temporarily suspend services.
Sri Lanka Cricket said it expects to make a final decision on the tour in the coming days, keeping player safety as a top priority.
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