Cricket Ireland Cancels Series Against Afghanistan Due to Financial Constraints
Cricket Ireland has cancelled a planned multi-format series against Afghanistan due to financial reasons, emphasizing that this decision is not political. The organization is focusing on managing budget constraints while hosting several significant matches this summer and planning for infrastructural developments, including a new cricket stadium.
Cricket Ireland has announced the cancellation of a multi-format home series against Afghanistan due to financial constraints, rather than political reasons. The CEO of Cricket Ireland, Warren Deutrom, made this clear, emphasizing that the decision is part of their strategy to manage budgetary limitations amidst a busy schedule this summer, which includes significant tours by England Men’s T20I team and Zimbabwe Women.
The newly released international fixtures outline a series of Women’s 50-over World Cup Qualifying matches against various teams including Pakistan and West Indies from April 9-18. Additionally, warm-up matches for Ireland Women against West Indies and Bangladesh are scheduled on April 5 and 7, respectively, as they strive to qualify for the tournament for the first time since 2005. The exact details regarding the qualifiers’ dates and venues are still pending confirmation from the ICC.
The Ireland Men’s team is set to host the West Indies for both ODI and T20I series in May and June, respectively, and will welcome England Men for their inaugural T20I series in Ireland in September, consisting of three matches. Initially included in the Men’s Future Tours Program (FTP) were seven matches against Afghanistan: one Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is, all of which have been cancelled. Deutrom explained, “This decision is part of our management of short-term budgetary constraints,” reaffirming that the cancellation was strictly financial.
Since becoming a Full Member of the ICC in 2017, Ireland has hosted only two of the ten Tests they have played, achieving their first victory in this format against Afghanistan in the UAE in 2024. Amid ongoing infrastructure challenges and a lack of a permanent stadium, Ireland hosted a white-ball series against South Africa in Abu Dhabi last year.
In August 2022, the Irish Government approved plans for a new international cricket stadium and a high-performance center in Dublin, targeting completion by 2028, which will facilitate Ireland’s co-hosting of the 2030 T20 World Cup with England and Scotland. Deutrom noted, “Off the field, recent Programme for Government announcements will enable us to continue our planning for the new Dublin stadium.”
Meanwhile, Ireland Wolves are scheduled to compete against Afghanistan A in four-day and one-day formats in Abu Dhabi, which will also involve a tri-series with Sri Lanka A. Furthermore, during mid-July, Ireland Men will participate in the European T20 Premier League alongside Scotland and the Netherlands. In addition to these events, Zimbabwe Women will tour Ireland in July, playing three T20Is and two ODIs, followed by Pakistan Women who will arrive in August for three T20 matches ahead of the T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier.
In summary, Cricket Ireland’s cancellation of the series against Afghanistan stems from financial issues, with no political motives involved. The organization is focusing on managing budget constraints while preparing for an exciting summer filled with international matches and aiming for significant long-term developments, including a new stadium to host future events. This decision highlights the balancing act faced by sports organizations in managing finances against the backdrop of competitive schedules and infrastructure needs.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
