Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka series postponed (Pic credit: ACB)

NEW DELHI: The white-ball series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka has been postponed after escalating tensions in the Middle East disrupted travel and logistics, the Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed on Wednesday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The bilateral series, originally scheduled to begin on March 13 in the United Arab Emirates, has now been pushed to late 2026 due to ongoing regional uncertainties and flight restrictions affecting team movements.In a statement, the Afghanistan board explained that preparations had been completed after receiving the necessary sanction from the Emirates Cricket Board to stage the matches across two venues.“Following the receipt of the required sanction from the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), preparations had been finalised to host the matches at both venues. However, in early March, unforeseen developments created logistical constraints that affected travel arrangements and operational planning for the series,” the ACB said.The tour would have marked Afghanistan’s first time hosting Sri Lanka in a bilateral series and was set to feature six white-ball matches. Three T20 Internationals were scheduled to take place at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on March 13, 15 and 17, before the action shifted to Dubai International Cricket Stadium for three One-Day Internationals on March 20, 22 and 25.According to the ACB, several consultations were held with key stakeholders before the final decision was taken. The board confirmed that meetings involving venue authorities and organisers were conducted to monitor the evolving situation.“To address the situation, the Afghanistan Cricket Board held a series of consultations with key stakeholders, including the Emirates Cricket Board, Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Dubai International Cricket Stadium,” the statement said.Despite efforts from all sides to proceed with the event, the logistical challenges remained beyond operational control.The ACB said the Sri Lanka Cricket board was kept informed throughout the process and agreed to the postponement. The UAE is expected to remain the preferred venue when the series is rescheduled.“Despite the collective efforts of all parties to proceed with the event as planned, the logistical challenges remained beyond operational control, leading to the decision to postpone the series and explore rescheduling options,” the ACB added.

NEW DELHI: Ibrahim Zadran has been appointed the new T20I captain of the Afghanistan national cricket team for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka national cricket team. The decision was announced by the Afghanistan Cricket Board after the team’s disappointing performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where Afghanistan were eliminated in the league stage. Zadran replaces star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who previously led the team in the format.

Zadran had been serving as vice-captain and now steps into the leadership role as part of broader changes within the team following the tournament. Explaining the decision, chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil said, “Rashid Khan’s tenure as the T20I captain brought immense success to the team, particularly highlighted by the team’s remarkable journey in the 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup, where we reached the semi-finals.”He added that the move is part of a long-term plan for the team’s future. “In alignment with the ACB’s long-term strategic vision and following recent changes in our Team Management, including the appointment of a new head coach, we have made the thoughtful decision to transition the leadership within the T20I setup,” he continued.“Ibrahim Zadran, who has served as Rashid Khan’s deputy, will assume the role as Afghanistan’s regular captain in this format. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rashid Khan for his valuable contributions and wish Ibrahim Zadran every success in this important new role.”The squad has also seen several changes, with players like Fazal Haq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Ishaq left out. Meanwhile, new names such as Noor Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Fareed Ahmad have been included in the T20I squad.“In addition, our long-term goal is to adequately prepare the team for the upcoming two World Cup events,” he remarked. “We are hopeful that, under this new leadership, the National Team will not only flourish but also showcase outstanding performances and build a strong and competitive bench strength for the crucial challenges that lie ahead.”Meanwhile, the ACB said it is monitoring the regional situation due to the Israel–Iran conflict. The board added, “Although a final decision will be made in a couple of days, the ACB’s initial approach, in coordination with the ECB and venue authorities, is to proceed with the originally scheduled dates. Should circumstances necessitate a change, the ACB will consider exploring alternative options for both the host country and the event schedule.”

Jonathan Trott (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Following Afghanistan’s final group-stage match in the 2026 T20 World Cup, outgoing coach Jonathan Trott took time to reflect on his tenure with the national side and share his thoughts about future coaching opportunities. Trott’s time at the helm concluded on Thursday after Afghanistan was eliminated from the tournament, despite a commanding 82-run win over Canada in Chennai. Since assuming charge in 2022, Trott has worked closely with the players, playing a pivotal role in their growth and helping elevate Afghanistan’s competitiveness on the international stage.

“Gratitude for a journey filled with progress and pride. Thank you, @Trotty, for your outstanding services as the head coach of #AfghanAtalan since 2022. Your impact will always be remembered,” the Afghanistan Cricket Board wrote on X.

Afghanistan cricket board post

Under Trott’s guidance, Afghanistan achieved some of their most significant moments in recent history, including their first-ever T20 World Cup semifinal finish in 2024, landmark tournament victories, historic wins against top-ranked teams, and milestones that strengthened the nation’s global cricketing reputation. At the post-match press conference, Trott reflected on his coaching journey and the memories he had collected as the team developed individually and collectively. “I always feel fortunate enough to have had a lot of memories as a player but also now as a coach as well,” Trott said. “I think even at this ground (in Chennai), beating Pakistan, I think, the first time in the World Cup, 50-over game, beating England, two games in St. Vincent, that’s World Cup stuff. “But there’ve been lots of other things we’ve achieved: bilateral series, firsts – we’ve beaten Pakistan, Bangladesh away, South Africa, all these sorts of things. So I’m very fortunate enough to have coached some really great players, some really good humans and a good bunch of guys and areas to improve everywhere,” he added. The England international also revealed that coaching Afghanistan had never been part of his original plan. He stepped in after Graham Thorpe, who was initially meant to take the position, was unable to do so. “Graham Thorpe was supposed to be the coach, and he unfortunately couldn’t take up the role. I then got offered the job and took it with both hands. But at the same time, Graham was huge in my development as a coach and he gave me great opportunities at the ECB and had full faith and belief in me as a coach,” Trott said. “So have a lot to be thankful for him for this role. So I’m here by chance. I gave it my all. I hope the players can see the love that have for the game and the care that have for them as players and as people.” Trott emphasized the importance of developing more reliable pace bowlers to complement Afghanistan’s star spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, which would support the team’s next steps on their cricketing journey. “The consistency and development of some more seamers that will aid the spinners and not just be heavily reliant on spinners; develop some seam bowlers so that when the team plays in conditions perhaps like the World Cup in 2027 (in South Africa and Namibia), they’ll be able to handle all different varieties of conditions,” he noted. “They’re developing the batting resources to be able to have that, and it’s about having the seamers now so they can compete all around the world, hopefully.” Trott, 44, said he now plans to take some time off before embarking on his next chapter. “I’ve really enjoyed this, and I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe have a couple of days off and see how it goes. I look forward to seeing how the rest of the World Cup goes. Gee, I wish we were still here and able to play in the next round,” he said. “I’m very proud of where I played my cricket and always like to see the England side do well. I’d be lying. I’d love to one day hopefully have the opportunity to coach a team that you hold so dear to your heart. There are a lot of people that I’m sure would love to do that job. “So we’ll have to see. But I just want to enjoy my coaching. And I’ve certainly enjoyed the last couple of years here. My tenure here has been ups and downs, but I’ve got some great memories,” he concluded.