Ireland Cancels Men’s Series Against Afghanistan Due to Financial Constraints
Ireland has canceled its men’s cricket series against Afghanistan due to financial constraints. The men’s team will still host matches against England and the West Indies, while the women’s team has scheduled series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan, in addition to ICC World Cup qualifiers.
Cricket Ireland has announced the cancellation of the planned multi-format series against Afghanistan, initially scheduled for this year, citing financial constraints as the primary reason. This series was meant to include one Test match, three One Day Internationals (ODIs), and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20s).
Despite this cancellation, the Irish men’s team will proceed with other fixtures, including their inaugural home T20I series against England in September, along with ODI and T20 series against the West Indies in May and June.
Warren Deutrom, chief executive of Cricket Ireland, stated, “One planned series that won’t go ahead for financial reasons is against Afghanistan.” He emphasized that this decision aligns with managing short-term budget constraints and fulfilling the Board’s directive for balanced investment throughout the organization’s strategic objectives.
Deutrom also reassured fans that they will still have opportunities to watch premier international cricketers in Ireland. On the women’s side, Ireland will host Zimbabwe for three T20Is and two ODIs in July, followed by a series against Pakistan.
Furthermore, the women’s team is set to take part in two ICC World Cup qualifier tournaments, competing against teams such as Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Scotland in matches scheduled from April 9 to 18.
In summary, Ireland has canceled its men’s cricket series against Afghanistan due to financial reasons while keeping other matches on the calendar. The men’s team will participate in a series against England and West Indies, while the women’s team will host Zimbabwe and Pakistan, and engage in World Cup qualifier tournaments. This decision reflects a broader strategy to manage budgetary concerns responsibly, balancing the needs across various cricketing objectives.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
