Islamabad, Mar 12 2025: Ireland has withdrawn from hosting series against Afghanistan this year due to financial constraints, according to Cricket Ireland newly released fixtures.
The decision comes as Ireland prepares for a busy summer featuring England historic visit for the T20I series and Zimbabwe Women’s first tour.
The updated schedule includes Ireland Women’s participation in the 50-over World Cup Qualifiers, set to take place from April 9-18 against Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Scotland.
Warm-up matches against West Indies and Bangladesh in Pakistan have also been planned before the qualifiers, pending ICC confirmation.
Ireland Men will host West Indies for ODI and T20I series in May and June, while England T20I side will visit in September for a three-match series—their first bilateral T20I engagement in Ireland.
Originally, Ireland was set to play Afghanistan in a full-format series, including a Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is, as per the Future Tours Program (FTP).
All seven matches were canceled, with Cricket Ireland chief citing financial constraints, unlike Australia and England, who avoided Afghanistan for political reasons.
Despite limited Test opportunities since gaining Full Member status in 2017, Ireland secured its maiden Test victory against Afghanistan in the UAE in 2024 and followed it with two more wins against Zimbabwe.
However, the lack of a permanent stadium has forced Cricket Ireland to seek alternative venues, including Abu Dhabi for a white-ball series against South Africa last year.
The Irish government has approved plans for a dedicated international cricket stadium in Dublin, set for completion by 2028, ahead of the co-hosting duties for the 2030 T20 World Cup alongside England and Scotland.
