Ireland call off Afghanistan series

Ireland’s men have called off plans to host a multi-format series against Afghanistan this year citing financial crisis.

They were scheduled to play one Test, three T20Is and the same number of ODIs, according to the Men’s Future Tours Programme.

“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.”

However, they will 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.

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

Moreover, Ireland’s women will host 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.

They will play Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Thailand and Scotland in 50-over World Cup qualifying matches between 9 and 18 April.