Afghanistan are set to host Sri Lanka for the first time in a bilateral series next month. The white-ball tour will feature three T20Is and three ODIs, all to be played in the United Arab Emirates from March 13 to 25. Although Afghanistan will be the designated host, the matches will take place in Sharjah and Dubai.
The tour will begin with a three-match T20I series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on March 13, 15, and 17, respectively. The T20I series will begin just five days after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup on March 8.
For Afghanistan, the familiar conditions in Sharjah will give a slight advantage, while Sri Lanka will look to get familiar with the conditions and challenge Afghanistan. Following the T20Is, the teams will shift to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for a three-match ODI series scheduled for March 20, 22, and 25, respectively.
"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," Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO Naseeb Khan said.
Notably, this is the second bilateral T20I series between the two sides, and Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley De Silva expressed excitement.
“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," Ashley De Silva said.