Ireland Cricket board has announced that they cancelled the multi-format cricket series between them and Afghanistan due to financial crunch.
Ireland was initially scheduled to host Afghanistan for the Test, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and three T20 matches in July. The Irish Cricket Board (Cricket Ireland) announced that because of financial constraints, the series would not be held.
In the lead-up to this series, the West Indies is set to play six limited-overs matches in Ireland in May and June, followed by England, in September for a three-match T20 series.
Cricket Ireland Chief Executive Warren Deutrum announced on Tuesday that the team’s summer schedule, which includes the announcement of the series against Afghanistan, will not be taking place.
He said, “A scheduled series that won’t be occurring because of funding is the one against Afghanistan. This is part of our requirement to meet the board’s instruction to balance investment in short-term budget pressures and the organization’s strategic objectives.”
Deutrum also stressed that Cricket Ireland would prioritise investment in the upgrading of infrastructure and facilities nationwide.
In August last year, the Irish government unveiled plans to construct a stadium at the National Sports Campus close to Blanchardstown, Dublin, where 2030 T20 World Cup matches will be played. Ireland will co-host the 2030 T20 World Cup alongside England and Scotland.
Deutrum further said, “Generally, both on and off the pitch, this will be regarded as one of the biggest years in Irish cricketing history.”
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has expressed hope that the series would be continued next year.
Read more: Terrorists attack train in Balochistan, women and children taken hostage
