Ireland cricket call off men’s Afghanistan series ‘for financial reasons’

Ireland’s men have called off plans to host a multi-format series against Afghanistan this year “for financial reasons”.

Ireland were scheduled to play one Test against the Afghans, as well as three ODIs and three T20s, according to the Men’s Future Tours Programme.

The Irish men’s team will however play their first home T20I series against England in September, as well as hosting ODI and T20 series against West Indies in May and June respectively.

“One planned series that won’t go ahead for financial reasons is against Afghanistan,” Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom said.

“This decision is part of our management of short-term budgetary constraints, as well as our requirement to comply with the Board’s mandate to deliver balanced investment across the organisation’s strategic objectives.”

He added that Ireland fans would however “be able to enjoy some of the world’s best cricketers playing on these shores”.

Ireland’s women will welcome Zimbabwe for three T20Is and two ODIs in July and the following month will host Pakistan for three ODIs.

Their schedule will also include competing in two ICC World Cup qualifier tournaments.

The women’s team will play Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Thailand and Scotland in 50-over World Cup qualifying matches between 9 and 18 April.