Ireland has cancelled its planned cricket series against Afghanistan for this year due to financial issues but is hopeful for rescheduling next year. Meanwhile, Ireland has upcoming matches against West Indies and England. Cricket Ireland’s CEO cited budget management as the reason for the cancellation, while the Afghanistan Cricket Board expressed disappointment but is eager to explore rescheduling options.
Ireland has officially cancelled its multi-format cricket series against Afghanistan scheduled for this year, citing financial constraints. Despite this development, the Afghanistan Cricket Board remains optimistic about the possibility of rescheduling the series for the following year. This cancellation comes amidst a busy schedule where Ireland will host the West Indies for six limited-overs matches in May and June, followed by a three-match Twenty20 series against England in September.
The original itinerary for the series against Afghanistan included one Test, three One-Day Internationals, and three T20 matches in August. Warren Deutrom, the chief executive of Cricket Ireland, stated, “One planned series that won’t go ahead for financial reasons is against Afghanistan.” This decision stems from a need to manage short-term budgetary limitations and adhere to the Board’s requirements for balanced investment across its strategic objectives.
In response to the cancellation, the Afghanistan Cricket Board expressed their understanding of the situation. ACB’s chief executive, Naseeb Khan, noted, “While we acknowledge their reasons, this would have been a valuable opportunity for players from both countries.” He further mentioned that discussions are ongoing with Cricket Ireland to find a suitable time for the series to be held in the future.
In conclusion, Ireland’s cancellation of the cricket series against Afghanistan was prompted by financial constraints, with both organizations hopeful for a rescheduled series next year. As Cricket Ireland manages its budgetary challenges, the Afghanistan Cricket Board is actively seeking alternative arrangements to facilitate this collaboration. The future of this series remains uncertain but is a priority for both boards.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
