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The planned ODI tri-series between Pakistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe in Pakistan in January 2027 is likely to be cancelled. The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team has reportedly pulled out of the ODI tri-series because of commercial.
This setback could lead to a major change in the schedule, with Pakistan and Ireland likely to play a bilateral white-ball series now. The two sides are working on a revised schedule, while the planned one-off test between Pakistan and Ireland now looks highly unlikely. Amid this, Shai Hope breaks MS Dhoni, Brian Lara's record with 20th ODI century.
Zimbabwe’s withdrawal forces changes to Pakistan-Ireland tour plans
The Ireland National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team were originally scheduled to travel to Pakistan for the ODI tri-series in January 2027.
But commercial issues forced Zimbabwe to pull out of the series, and the two sides are now reportedly looking at another possible window.
Cricket Ireland and the Pakistan Cricket Board are now working on a fresh schedule for the tour. The final details for the white-ball series are expected to be announced soon.
A Cricket Ireland spokesperson was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo, "The PCB and Cricket Ireland are currently working through a revised schedule for the tour, and details will be made available shortly.”
The proposed one-off test between Pakistan and Ireland was also part of the discussions, but Zimbabwe’s pull-out decision has made that match unlikely to happen now. Amid this, Watch: Amir Jangoo performs 'Sajda' after century vs India as 3 West Indies batters hit tons in same innings.
Pakistan wants more ODIs, Ireland eyes ICC ODI World Cup 2027 preparation
Pakistan are keen to play more 50-over cricket in 2027 despite them already having a busy ODI schedule, and the reason is the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Pakistan are set to host Sri Lanka and England in a tri-series next month. A five-match ODI series against Bangladesh is also being scheduled, while Pakistan are confirmed to play another five-match ODI series in England next summer.
The ODI matches against Pakistan will provide important preparation for Ireland for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in February. Ireland will be looking to secure a place in the ICC ODI World Cup 2-27 later in the year. The mega event is scheduled for October-November next year.
ICC ODI World Cup 2027 ticket ballot dates announced
Meanwhile, the ICC announced that fans around the world will get their first chance to register for ODI World Cup 2027 tickets from October 1, 2026. The ticket ballot will open with the official schedule announcement for the tournament at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town.
The 14th edition of the ICC ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe in 2027. Fans can register their interest in matches across all three countries and get a chance to be part of Africa’s biggest Cricket World Cup.
The ballot entry will be completely free and will not follow a first-come, first-served system. All valid entries submitted between October 1 and November 21, 2026, will have an equal chance of being considered, regardless of when they are submitted.
