The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has begun to disrupt the global sporting calendar, with several international tournaments and competitions either postponed, cancelled or affected by travel restrictions. The war, which has now entered its 12th day, has created widespread uncertainty across the Middle East region and beyond. According to reports, more than 1,300 Iranian civilians have been killed since air strikes by the United States and Israel began on February 28, 2026, intensifying the crisis and impacting various sectors, including international sports.

One of the major sporting events affected is the Afghanistan–Sri Lanka bilateral cricket series that was scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates. Afghanistan were set to host Sri Lanka for a three-match One Day International series followed by three Twenty20 matches between March 13 and March 25. However, due to the escalating regional tensions and logistical challenges, the series has been postponed. Reports suggest that the cricket boards are now exploring the possibility of holding the series later in the year, potentially in the final quarter of 2026.

The Asian Weightlifting Championship has also been impacted by the ongoing conflict. The event was originally scheduled to take place in Gandhinagar from April 1 to April 10. Organisers have now delayed the tournament and announced a revised schedule, with the competition expected to be held from May 12 to May 17 instead. The decision was taken to ensure the safety of athletes, officials and teams travelling from different countries amid the uncertain regional situation.

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Tennis events have not remained unaffected either. The Association of Tennis Professionals cancelled the Fujairah Open in the United Arab Emirates, which was part of the ATP Challenger Tour. The decision came after an oil terminal located near the tournament venue was reportedly struck during the conflict. Although matches initially continued despite tensions in the region, organisers ultimately decided to halt the competition after security concerns increased and the situation was deemed unsafe for players and spectators.

In hockey, the United States men’s field hockey team withdrew from the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup qualifiers being held in Ismailia, Egypt. The team was scheduled to play against China on March 6, but travel disruptions and safety concerns linked to the conflict forced them to pull out of the tournament. As a result of the withdrawal, the United States’ remaining matches were cancelled and China was awarded a walkover in the scheduled fixture.

Football competitions across Asia have also faced disruptions due to the escalating tensions. Matches involving Middle Eastern clubs in the Round of 16 stage of the Asian Champions League Elite, scheduled for the first half of March, have been postponed. In addition, upcoming quarterfinal matches in the Asian Champions League Two as well as fixtures in the Asian Challenge League have also been delayed, reflecting the wider impact of the conflict on international sporting events and athlete travel across the region.

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