Ireland has cancelled the men’s multi-format series against Afghanistan due to financial constraints. In lieu of this, the team will host England and the West Indies later this year. The women’s team also has upcoming matches against Zimbabwe and Pakistan, alongside participation in ICC World Cup qualifiers.
Ireland’s men’s cricket team has decided to cancel the planned series against Afghanistan this year due to financial constraints. The series was supposed to include one Test match, three One Day Internationals (ODIs), and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20s) as per the Men’s Future Tours Programme. Despite this cancellation, the Irish men’s team will host England for their first home T20I series in September, alongside upcoming ODI and T20 series against the West Indies in May and June.
Cricket Ireland’s chief executive, Warren Deutrom, emphasized that the cancellation is necessary to navigate short-term budgetary constraints while adhering to the Board’s requirement for balanced investment in the organization’s strategic objectives. He reassured fans that they will still have the opportunity to watch top-level cricket in Ireland this year.
In women’s cricket, Ireland will host Zimbabwe for three T20Is and two ODIs in July and will compete against Pakistan in three ODIs the following month. Their upcoming schedule also includes participation in two ICC World Cup qualifier tournaments, where they will face teams such as Pakistan, West Indies, and Bangladesh during qualifying matches in April.
The cancellation of the men’s series against Afghanistan highlights the financial challenges faced by Cricket Ireland. While the men’s team will miss out on this series, fans can still look forward to other international competitions. Meanwhile, the women’s team’s schedule remains active, showcasing significant matches in the coming months. Overall, strategic budget management remains a priority for ensuring the future viability of cricket in Ireland.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
