Afghanistan to Host Ireland for All Three Format Series

Afghanistan is all set to host Ireland for five One Day Internationals, three T20Is and one-off Test match at Dehradun. Both the teams will begin the three-match T20I series with the first T20I on February 21. In fact, both the cricketing boards have revised the end date of the bilateral series. This is done after keeping in mind the early start of the Indian Premier League 2019, which is all set to commence from March 23.

The ODI series will kickstart from February 28 and the one-off Test match will begin from March 15. Meanwhile, Afghanistan plays its home matches in India and they have two grounds in Dehradun and Greater Noida.

This is going to be good preparation for Afghanistan.

“Initially, we planned to conclude the series on March 23 but keeping in mind the dates of the Indian Premier League in which three of Afghanistan’s main players will be participating, the dates were slightly adjusted and I would like to thank Cricket Ireland for honouring our request,” ACB CEO Shafiqullah Stanikzai said.

On the other hand, Afghanistan was able to qualify for the World Cup whereas Ireland had to miss out. Thus, this series would be good preparation for the Afghan side. Both the teams have thus far played a solitary Test match after they were granted Test status.

“The series will be important for Afghanistan as we are in the preparation stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. We are certain that both sides will play competitive cricket,” Stanikzai added.

Meanwhile, Ireland will play their first ever overseas Test match. Afghanistan had made their Test debut against India whereas Ireland had locked horns with Pakistan.

“The importance of this series to both nations cannot be understated. So it was important that we could ensure the fans did not miss out on a clash. We will see best v best in terms of players available. In fact, we hope this slight amendment to playing days does not impact too much on the travel bookings of any fans attending the series. We look forward to a great series – which will include Ireland’s first overseas Test match,” CEO of Cricket Ireland Warren Deutrom said.