Ireland will play a white-ball series at home against South Africa in Abu Dhabi later this year, a decision the board’s chief executive Warren Deutrom described as a “creative” way to overcome “current infrastructure constraints”. They will also host a men’s test for the second time in their history when they play Zimbabwe at Stormont in July.
Ireland gained full membership in 2017 and played their first men’s test in 2018 in Malahide, near Dublin. But the lack of a permanent home stadium and the high cost of temporary infrastructure have meant the next six-man Test has been overseas, including the first win against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.
This summer he will play a one-off Test against Zimbabwe at the Civil Service Ground in Stormont, Belfast from July 25-29. But financial and logistical constraints mean the tour’s six white-ball matches – three ODIs and three T20Is – will not go ahead as planned, a Cricket Ireland spokesman told ESPN.
South Africa was originally scheduled to tour Ireland for three ODIs and three T20Is in July, but will play two ODIs and three T20Is in Abu Dhabi from the end of September. After Cricket Ireland moves two T20Is to Bristol, England in 2022, South Africa’s second series against Ireland will be played at a neutral venue.
“This structural plan seeks to create a balance of competitive and quality cricket in various formats while addressing the challenges posed by our current infrastructure limitations,” said Deutrom.
Deutrom had earlier confirmed that Australia’s tour plans for three ODIs and one T20I had been delayed for some time. Of the 20 Irish men’s home tours scheduled for next summer, only four will be played in Ireland – the Zimbabwe Test and three T20Is against Pakistan next month – while 11 have been canceled or postponed.
Ireland will also host England Women for the first time since 1995, in what will be England’s first visit to the country in the professional era. Laura Delaney’s side will now face Sri Lanka in August before playing England in September in the UAE before the T20 World Cup qualifiers in Bangladesh in October.
T20 World Cup,” said Deutrom. “2024 offers a variety of facilities for male and female cricket fans. The historic nature of the Belfast Test, the opportunity to see the Irish side in two T20 World Cups and the best side in the world must tour. Create an unsanctioned season for Irish cricket. .”
