Ireland has scrapped plans to host Afghanistan for a multi-format series this year due to financial constraints, prioritizing key fixtures against England and West Indies.
The decision comes as part of Cricket Ireland’s efforts to manage its budget while ensuring a balanced investment across the sport.
The latest international schedule includes Ireland Women’s campaign in the ODI World Cup Qualifiers from April 9-18, facing Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Scotland.
They will also play warm-up matches against West Indies and Bangladesh in Pakistan earlier that month, though the ICC has yet to confirm venues.
Ireland Men are set to host West Indies for ODI and T20I series in May and June, followed by England Men’s first-ever T20I tour to Ireland in September.
While Ireland was initially scheduled to play Afghanistan in a Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is under the Men’s Future Tours Program, all seven matches have been canceled.
Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom attributed this to financial limitations rather than political concerns, distancing the decision from Australia and England’s refusal to play Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Ireland continues its cricket expansion, with plans for a new stadium in Dublin set for completion by 2028 ahead of the 2030 T20 World Cup.