Afghanistan to host Sri Lanka for first-ever bilateral white-ball series in UAE after Men’s T20 World Cup

Three T20Is in Sharjah and three ODIs in Dubai from March 13–25 mark a historic milestone in ACB–SLC relations as both sides build toward upcoming ICC and ACC events.

Rashid Khan celebrates with a teammate during an ODI cricket match for Afghanistan, wearing the national team's blue jersey.

Photo Credit: ICC

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 Cricketstated“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.

Series Schedule:

DateFormatVenue
Friday, March 131st T20ISharjah
Sunday, March 152nd T20ISharjah
Tuesday, March 173rd T20ISharjah
Friday, March 201st  ODIDubai
Sunday, March 222nd ODIDubai
Wednesday, March 253rd ODIDubai