Complete schedule: T20Is in Sharjah, ODIs in Dubai
The series will start with the T20I leg at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, where all three matches will be played on March 13, 15 and 17. After the T20 matches, the action shifts to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for the ODI series, scheduled for March 20, 22 and 25.
🚨 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒! 🚨
We are hosts @OfficialSLC for the first time in our history! 👏👏
🏏: 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is
📅: March 13 – 25, 2026
🏟️: Sharjah, Dubai
🔗: https://t.co/ZH5lxmQ482#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvSL | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/B9Lvn1YM4q— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 23, 2026
‘Happy to host Sri Lanka for the first time’: CEO of ACB
Naseeb Khan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Afghanistan Cricket Board, expressed his excitement over the historic tour and highlighted the strengthening relationship between the two cricket boards.
“We are delighted to host Sri Lanka for the first time in our history. This event reflects the strength of our partnership with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, and we are committed to further strengthening our relationship to deliver a high-quality cricket experience in the future,” Khan said in an official release.
He added that Sri Lanka has been playing excellent cricket of late and promises a competitive series between two quality teams. Khan also emphasized the strategic importance of the tour for Afghanistan’s development. “In addition, the series is fundamental to our mission as we continue to 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 declared.
CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket welcomes historic assignment
Ashley De Silva, Chief Executive of Sri Lanka Cricket, echoed these sentiments and underlined the importance of bilateral cricket in the international calendar.
“Bilateral cricket is an important element in international cricket, and we are very happy to be part of this historic tour as this is the first time Sri Lanka is participating in a bilateral series hosted by Afghanistan,” said De Silva.
He expressed confidence that the tour would help Sri Lanka plan and prepare for future international assignments.
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AFG vs SL: Previous meetings between the two teams
The last bilateral meeting between the two sides took place in early 2024 when Afghanistan toured Sri Lanka. On that occasion, Sri Lanka dominated, completing a 3-0 clean sweep in the ODI series and winning the T20I series 2-1.
Notably, the T20I series begins just five days after the 2026 T20 World Cup final, while the ODI leg ends just a day before both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) begin on March 26, making player workload management a key consideration for both boards.
The Afghan campaign at the T20 World Cup 2026 ended in disappointment as they failed to qualify for the Super 8 stage, finishing third in Group D with two wins and two losses. The upcoming while-ball series will also be Afghanistan’s first assignment without former head coach Jonathan Trott, who left after the group stage matches.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, advanced to the Super 8 stage after finishing second in Group B with three wins and one defeat, although they suffered a heavy defeat to England in their Super 8 opener.
WATCH also: Emotional Jonathan Trott collapses after last match as Afghanistan coach
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