Cricket Ireland has postponed a series against Afghanistan due to financial constraints, prioritizing other commitments and infrastructure development. CEO Warren Deutrom clarified the reasoning behind this decision, stating it is economically driven rather than politically influenced; Afghanistan, left without fixtures, faces greater challenges for future matches.
Cricket Ireland has postponed the scheduled multi-format series against Afghanistan, citing financial constraints as the reason for the decision. The board is currently focused on a busy summer featuring England Men’s first T20I tour and Zimbabwe Women’s inaugural visit, which necessitates budgetary considerations. The postponement was announced alongside the release of Ireland’s 2025 international fixtures, primarily prioritizing World Cup qualifiers and key bilateral contests.
Despite the obligations under the Men’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) to play Afghanistan in a Test, three One Day Internationals (ODIs), and three T20 Internationals, Cricket Ireland’s CEO, Warren Deutrom, clarified that the cancellation of the series is due to economic factors rather than political hesitation. This decision comes in light of other nations, such as Australia and England, opting not to engage in cricketing relations with Afghanistan due to concerns about human rights abuses by the Taliban, though Ireland distanced itself from those political considerations.
Since acquiring Full Member status in 2017, Ireland has played just two out of ten Tests at home, with their first Test victory occurring against Afghanistan in the UAE in 2024. Deutrom indicated that infrastructure challenges have consistently hindered the team’s performance, mentioning that previous “home” series were conducted in Abu Dhabi to reduce costs. However, he noted that recent governmental announcements could aid in future preparations for the new stadium in Dublin and the 2030 T20 World Cup, of which Ireland is a co-host.
With Cricket Ireland’s cancellation of the series, Afghanistan currently holds no scheduled international fixtures. The national team faced disappointment with their exit from the Champions Trophy 2025, despite a commendable effort in the group stage, leaving their ambition for an ICC title unrealized.
The postponement of the series between Ireland and Afghanistan underscores the financial challenges faced by Cricket Ireland amidst a busy international schedule. While economic considerations led to this decision, the lack of international fixtures for Afghanistan further complicates their cricketing landscape. The ongoing infrastructure issues and the pursuit of a new stadium reflect Ireland’s commitment to developing cricket, even as they navigate budgetary constraints.
Original Source: cricket.one
