Cricket Ireland have confirmed a two match ODI series against Pakistan. The games will take place on Thursday May 23 and Sunday May 26, with the venue(s) still to be finalised.
Pakistan will be based in Ireland for a week, using the series to acclimatize ahead of the Champions Trophy which is being held in England starting on June 6, with Pakistan playing their first game in the competition the following day against the West Indies.
Ireland coach Phil Simmons was delighted at securing high profile opposition, saying: “It’s fantastic news for Irish cricket, and we’re grateful to both ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board for making the series possible.
“The extra funding we’ve secured through TAPP ensures we’re able to organise additonal matches against Full Members.
“Pakistan are a formidable one-day side and it’s a great way of measuring where we are as a team. We’ve had some wonderful tussles with them in the past, and for many, Irish cricket was born the day we beat them in the 2007 World Cup.
“It’s shaping up to be a busy summer for Irish cricket, with in addition to this game, a four-day clash with Australia A as they warm up for The Ashes, a proposed series against Bangladesh and of course the RSA Challenge against England at our new international ground in Malahide.”
Commenting on the matches Pakistan Head Coach Dav Whatmore said; “Irish cricket has been improving consistently and we will be looking forward to some competitive games ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.”
The sides last met on Irish soil in 2011 with Pakistan winning both ODI’s despite a brilliant century by Paul Stirling in the second international. Ticketing details will be released in due course.
Comments