Ireland cancel home series against Afghanistan due to financial issues
What's the story
Ireland have canceled their planned multi-format cricket series against Afghanistan, citing "financial reasons."
The decision comes as part of a busy summer schedule that includes tours by the England Men's T20I team and Zimbabwe Women.
Cricket Ireland confirmed this development in their recently released international fixtures.
The organization also announced Women's 50-over World Cup Qualifying matches against Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Scotland, between April 9 and 18.
Here are further details.
Fixtures
Ireland's busy summer schedule and upcoming matches
Ireland's summer schedule features warm-up games for the Women's team against West Indies and Bangladesh in Pakistan on April 5 and 7, respectively.
These matches are part of their bid to qualify for the tournament for the first time since 2005, though the ICC is yet to confirm dates and venues for the Qualifiers.
Meanwhile, in May, Ireland Men will host the West Indies in an ODI series and a T20I series in June.
Financial constraints
Cancelation of Afghanistan series: A financial decision
As per the Men's Future Tours Program (FTP), Ireland were supposed to play a Test against Afghanistan and three ODIs and T20Is.
However, all seven matches have been canceled.
Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom clarified that the cancelation was due to financial reasons and not political ones.
"One planned series that won't go ahead for financial reasons is against Afghanistan," Deutrom stated as per ESPNcricinfo.
Progress
Ireland's cricketing journey and future plans
Since gaining ICC Full Membership in 2017, Ireland have hosted only two of their 10 Test matches.
They secured their first Test victory against Afghanistan in the UAE (2024) and later won two more against Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, the Irish Government has approved plans for a permanent international cricket stadium and high-performance center in Dublin, set for completion by 2028.
CEO Deutrom remains optimistic, stating that they will continue planning for the new Dublin Stadium and the 2030 T20 World Cup.
H2H
A look at the head-to-head record
As mentioned, Ireland have already secured their first Test win against Afghanistan.
The teams share a 1-1 record in Tests, off the two Tests that have been played.
According to ESPNcricinfo, in ODIs, Ireland have won 13 and lost 18 against Afghanistan, while one ODI did not yield any result.
Meanwhile, in T20Is, Ireland have won seven and lost 18 T20Is (one tied).