Afghanistan will host Sri Lanka for a six-match white-ball series in the UAE from March 13-25, featuring three T20Is in Sharjah and three ODIs in Dubai ahead of IPL and PSL 2026.
Afghanistan will take on Sri Lanka in a six-match white-ball series in the UAE this March, marking the first time Afghanistan officially host Sri Lanka in a bilateral tour.
The series, scheduled from March 13 to March 25, will feature three T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals, with matches split between Sharjah and Dubai.
T20Is in Sharjah, ODIs in Dubai
The T20I leg will be staged at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on March 13, 15 and 17. The action will then shift to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for the ODI series on March 20, 22 and 25.
Notably, the T20I series begins just five days after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup, while the ODI leg wraps up only one day before the start of the Indian Premier League and the Pakistan Super League, both set to begin on March 26.
Key Franchise Stars in Action
Several players from both sides are involved in franchise cricket, meaning the series will serve as important preparation ahead of the IPL and PSL. Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka, wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Perera, Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan, and young left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad are among those expected to feature across the two global leagues.
Growing Rivalry
This will be only the second bilateral T20I series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, with their first taking place in early 2024. In the 50-over format, however, the two sides have met more frequently. The upcoming contest will be their fourth ODI bilateral series since 2022, reflecting the growing competitiveness between the two nations.
With both teams looking to build momentum ahead of a packed franchise calendar, the UAE series promises high-intensity cricket in neutral conditions.