Cricket Ireland Postpones Series Against Afghanistan Due to Financial Constraints
Cricket Ireland has canceled a multi-format series against Afghanistan due to financial constraints, despite FTP obligations. CEO Warren Deutrom emphasized that the decision was economically motivated, distinguishing it from political issues surrounding Afghanistan’s cricket. Infrastructure challenges have plagued Ireland since its Full Membership status in 2017, and the cancellation leaves Afghanistan without international fixtures.
Cricket Ireland has announced the postponement of a planned multi-format series against Afghanistan due to budgetary constraints. This decision comes in light of a historic summer for Ireland featuring significant tours, such as that of the England Men’s team and the Zimbabwe Women’s visit. Alongside this announcement, Ireland also revealed their 2025 international fixtures, which emphasize World Cup qualifiers and key bilateral matches while addressing infrastructure needs.
Despite their obligation under the Men’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) to engage in a series against Afghanistan, which would include a Test match, three One Day Internationals (ODIs), and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), the CEO of Cricket Ireland, Warren Deutrom, clarified that the decision was made for economic rather than political reasons. This comes in contrast to the actions of Australia and England, who have refrained from playing bilateral matches with Afghanistan due to concerns over human rights issues in the country; however, Deutrom highlighted that Ireland’s choice was purely fiscal.
Since becoming a Full Member in 2017, Ireland has only hosted two of their ten Test matches, securing their first Test win against Afghanistan in 2024 in the UAE. Deutrom pointed out infrastructure challenges as a persistent barrier, noting that they have previously conducted “home” series in Abu Dhabi to minimize expenditures. He also mentioned recent governmental announcements that would facilitate planning for a new stadium in Dublin and the upcoming 2030 T20 World Cup to be co-hosted with England and Scotland.
The cancellation of the series leaves Afghanistan without any scheduled international matches. Furthermore, the team experienced a disappointing elimination from the Champions Trophy 2025, despite their strong performance in the group stage, as they continue to strive for their first ICC title.
Cricket Ireland’s decision to postpone the series against Afghanistan underscores the complexities of balancing financial constraints with the requirements of international cricket commitments. While the board is focused on significant upcoming tours and infrastructure developments, Afghanistan finds itself without any scheduled matches, reflecting the broader challenges within the realm of international cricket. The strategic planning for future events like the 2030 T20 World Cup offers a glimmer of hope for growth and development in Irish cricket.
Original Source: cricket.one
