Ireland has canceled its upcoming series against Afghanistan for financial reasons. The series included one Test, three ODIs, and three T20s. Meanwhile, the men’s team will host England and the West Indies, while the women’s team has scheduled matches against Zimbabwe and Pakistan.
Ireland has canceled its anticipated multi-format series against Afghanistan due to financial constraints. The series was set to include one Test, three One Day Internationals (ODIs), and three Twenty20 matches as outlined in the Men’s Future Tours Programme. In contrast, the Irish men’s team will host their inaugural home T20I series against England in September and will also facilitate ODI and T20 series against the West Indies in May and June.
Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland, stated, “One planned series that won’t go ahead for financial reasons is against Afghanistan.” This decision reflects the organization’s management of short-term budgetary limitations while adhering to the Board’s directive for balanced investment across strategic objectives. Despite this cancellation, Deutrom assured that fans would still enjoy matches featuring some of the world’s premier cricketers on home soil.
Additionally, Ireland’s women’s team is set to host Zimbabwe in July for three T20Is and two ODIs, followed by an ODI series against Pakistan. Their schedule for the year also includes participation in two ICC World Cup qualifying tournaments. In April, the women’s team will compete against several countries, including Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Scotland, in qualifiers for the 50-over World Cup.
In summary, the cancellation of the Afghanistan series by Ireland’s men’s cricket team highlights the significant impact of financial considerations on sports scheduling. However, fans can look forward to other home series, including matchups with England and the West Indies, while the women’s team prepares for multiple competitive matches this summer. Ireland remains committed to delivering quality cricket despite these challenges.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
