Cricket Ireland has canceled a multi-format series against Afghanistan due to financial constraints, not political reasons. This decision comes during a busy international schedule and is part of broader budget management efforts. Concurrently, plans for a new international cricket stadium in Dublin are advancing, set for completion by 2028 as Ireland prepares to co-host the 2030 T20 World Cup.
Cricket Ireland has officially announced the cancellation of a planned multi-format series against Afghanistan for this year, attributing the decision to financial constraints rather than political motivations. The series, which included a Test, three One Day Internationals (ODIs), and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), was set to occur during a busy summer schedule that also features historic tours from the England Men’s T20I side and Zimbabwe Women.
The official fixture list, released on Tuesday, reveals upcoming Women’s 50-over World Cup Qualifying matches involving Ireland Women against teams such as Pakistan, West Indies, and Bangladesh between April 9-18. Additionally, the squad will engage in warm-up matches prior to the qualifiers scheduled on April 5 and 7.
In May and June, Ireland Men will host the West Indies for ODI and T20I series, while England Men is set to embark on their first T20I series in Ireland in September, comprising three matches. Despite the cancellation of the matches against Afghanistan, Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom clarified that this move was driven by financial difficulties, as the organization strives for budget management and balanced investment across its objectives.
Since achieving Full Member status in the ICC in 2017, Ireland has hosted only two of the ten Tests they have played. Their inaugural win in the Test format occurred against Afghanistan in the UAE in 2024. Amidst these developments, the Irish Government has approved the creation of a permanent international cricket stadium in Dublin, expected to be completed in 2028.
Financial support will bolster the planning for the new stadium and Ireland’s co-hosting of the 2030 T20 World Cup alongside England and Scotland. Meanwhile, Ireland Wolves are slated to play Afghanistan A in Abu Dhabi and participate in a European T20 Premier League alongside Scotland and the Netherlands later this summer. Zimbabwe Women and Pakistan Women are also scheduled for tours in 2025 and August, respectively, as Ireland Women prepare for the T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in the Netherlands.
In conclusion, Cricket Ireland’s cancellation of the series against Afghanistan is primarily due to financial reasons, amid a busy international schedule. The organization is refocusing its resources to support future developments, including plans for a new cricket stadium in Dublin. These decisions reflect a strategic approach to ensure balanced investment and to navigate ongoing financial limitations. Overall, Ireland continues to engage with various international teams, maintaining its commitment to cricket development and infrastructure improvements.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
