Ireland has cancelled a multi-format home series against Afghanistan citing financial reasons. CEO Warren Deutrom stated that the decision is not politically motivated. Ireland’s busy schedule still includes significant matches against West Indies, England, and Zimbabwe Women, and infrastructure improvements for a permanent stadium are planned for the future.
Cricket Ireland has officially cancelled the planned home series against Afghanistan due to “financial reasons”. CEO Warren Deutrom emphasized that this decision is not influenced by political factors. Instead, it reflects the organization’s need to manage current budgetary challenges while adhering to their strategic investment objectives amidst a busy summer schedule that includes historic tours by England’s Men’s T20I side and the Zimbabwe Women’s team.
The cancellation affects a series comprising a Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is, totaling seven matches. These fixtures were initially outlined in the Men’s Future Tours Program (FTP). Despite drawing comparisons to Australia and England’s cessation of bilateral series against Afghanistan, Deutrom clarified the cause as financial, not political. This decision occurs amidst ongoing scrutiny regarding Afghanistan’s ICC membership related to human rights concerns.
Ireland will still be active in international cricket, with Women’s 50-over World Cup Qualifying matches scheduled against teams like Pakistan and West Indies from April 9-18. Additionally, Ireland Men will host matches against West Indies in May and June, and England will play a T20I series in September. Ireland Women will undertake warm-up games against Bangladesh prior to their attempts at qualification for the World Cup.
In recent years, Ireland’s cricket infrastructure has faced challenges as they have only hosted two Tests since becoming an ICC Full Member in 2017. Progress is being made with government approval for a permanent international stadium and high-performance center in Dublin, with the first phase expected to finish by 2028. This development will position Ireland to co-host the T20 World Cup in 2030 alongside England and Scotland.
Looking ahead, Ireland Wolves will engage Afghanistan A in both four-day and one-day matches in Abu Dhabi next month and will also partake in the European T20 Premier League alongside Scotland and the Netherlands later this summer. Furthermore, the Zimbabwe Women’s team will tour Ireland in July, followed by Pakistan Women in August, solidifying the summer cricket schedule despite the cancellation of the series with Afghanistan.
In conclusion, Ireland’s decision to cancel the home series against Afghanistan reflects their financial constraints rather than political issues. Despite this setback, Ireland’s cricketing calendar remains robust, with alternative matches and significant infrastructure developments underway to enhance their cricketing capabilities for the future.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
