Ireland has canceled a planned home series against Afghanistan for financial reasons, impacting seven matches. The busy summer schedule includes fixtures against England and Zimbabwe Women, and Ireland is developing infrastructure for future tournaments. CEO Warren Deutrom confirmed the cancellation is strictly for financial management, not political concerns.
Ireland has officially canceled its plans to host a multi-format series against Afghanistan, attributing the decision solely to “financial reasons.” This cancellation impacts seven scheduled matches amid a packed summer, which features notable tours from the England Men’s T20I side and Zimbabwe Women. Cricket Ireland disclosed their upcoming international fixtures, including Women’s World Cup Qualifying matches against various teams from April 9 to 18.
As part of the women’s schedule, Ireland Women will participate in warm-up encounters against West Indies and Bangladesh in Pakistan on April 5 and 7, respectively, as they vie for their first World Cup appearance since 2005. The dates and venues for the qualifiers are yet to be confirmed by the ICC. Additionally, Ireland Men will face West Indies in both ODI and T20I series in May and June, followed by England’s inaugural T20I series in Ireland in September, comprising three matches.
Initially, under the Men’s Future Tours Program, Ireland was slated to play a Test against Afghanistan, along with three ODIs and three T20Is. However, all seven matches have now been canceled, and while this aligns with other nations refraining from playing bilateral series against Afghanistan, Cricket Ireland’s CEO, Warren Deutrom, confirmed that financial constraints were the only reason behind this decision.
“One planned series that won’t go ahead for financial reasons is against Afghanistan,” explained Deutrom. He emphasized that this move falls under the organization’s management of budgetary constraints while maintaining appropriate investment across their strategic objectives. Since gaining Full Member status of the ICC in 2017, Ireland has hosted only two of the ten Tests played, achieving their first win in the format against Afghanistan in the UAE in 2024.
Despite challenges, including infrastructure constraints, Ireland previously hosted a white-ball series against South Africa in Abu Dhabi last year. Recently, the Irish Government has approved the development of a permanent international cricket stadium in Dublin, aiming to enhance capabilities ahead of co-hosting the 2030 T20 World Cup with England and Scotland.
Deutrom remarked, “Off the field, recent Programme for Government announcements will enable us to continue our planning for the new Dublin stadium and for the 2030 T20 World Cup. We are also looking forward to announcing infrastructure investments across Ireland as part of our expanded Club Fund.” During the upcoming month, the Ireland Wolves will compete against Afghanistan A in Abu Dhabi, including a white-ball tri-series that involves Sri Lanka A.
In addition to these developments, Ireland Men will also participate in the European T20 Premier League alongside Scotland and the Netherlands in July. Zimbabwe Women are set to tour Ireland in July, playing three T20Is and two ODIs, followed by Pakistan Women who will visit in August for three T20s ahead of a European T20 World Cup Qualifier in the Netherlands.
In summary, Ireland’s decision to cancel the home series against Afghanistan stems from financial constraints rather than political motives. As Ireland navigates a busy summer cricket schedule, it aims to balance investment across various strategic goals while also preparing infrastructural advancements for future tournaments. This strategic approach will supposedly enhance Ireland’s capacity for eventual international events and engagements.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
