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Ireland’s men’s cricket team has scrapped its scheduled multi-format home series against Afghanistan due to financial reasons. The series, originally part of the ICC Men’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), was set to feature one Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is.
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Budget Issues Force Ireland to Cancel Series
Despite Ireland achieving Full Member status with the ICC in 2017, the team has struggled with financial sustainability. Hosting a full-fledged international series requires substantial investment, and with Ireland’s limited cricket infrastructure, the costs proved too high.
Cricket Ireland (CI) clarified that the decision was not political and had nothing to do with Australia and England’s stance against playing Afghanistan due to human rights concerns.
“One planned series that won’t go ahead for financial reasons is against Afghanistan. This decision is part of our management of short-term budgetary constraints,” Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom told ESPNcricinfo.
Ireland’s Packed International Calendar
While the Afghanistan series has been canceled, Ireland’s men’s team has plenty of cricket lined up:
- May-June 2025: Ireland will host West Indies for an ODI & T20I series.
- September 2025: Ireland will host England in a historic first-ever home T20I series.
- July 2025: Ireland’s men’s team will compete in the European T20 Premier League alongside Scotland and the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, the Ireland Women’s team will compete in the 50-over World Cup Qualifier in April against teams like Pakistan, West Indies, and Bangladesh.
Future of Irish Cricket
Ireland’s long-term financial stability is expected to improve with the development of a permanent international stadium in Dublin. Approved by the Irish government in August 2023, the project is set for completion by 2028. The venue will play a key role in preparing Ireland for co-hosting the 2030 ICC T20 World Cup alongside England and Scotland.
