Afghanistan’s international cricket calendar has suffered another blow, with Cricket Ireland deciding to postpone their scheduled multi-format series due to financial constraints.
The decision comes as Ireland navigates a busy season, which includes hosting England Men’s first-ever T20I tour and Zimbabwe Women’s maiden visit. With a focus on World Cup qualifiers, key bilateral fixtures, and infrastructure improvements, Ireland has reshaped its 2025 international schedule.
Postponement Due to Financial Factors
Although Ireland was set to host Afghanistan for a Test match, three ODIs, and three T20Is under the Men’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom clarified that the cancellation was solely due to financial reasons, not political considerations.
This move follows Australia and England’s stance of avoiding bilateral cricket with Afghanistan over human rights concerns linked to the Taliban. However, Deutrom reaffirmed that Ireland’s decision was based strictly on economic challenges.
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“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, as well as our requirement to comply with the Board’s mandate to deliver balanced investment across the organisation’s strategic objectives,” Deutrom said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Infrastructure and Test Cricket Challenges
Since achieving Full Member status in 2017, Ireland has played only two of their ten Test matches on home soil. Their historic first Test victory came against Afghanistan in the UAE in 2024.
Deutrom acknowledged that infrastructure limitations continue to pose challenges, often compelling Ireland to host “home” series in Abu Dhabi to manage costs.
“Off the field, recent Programme for Government announcements will enable us to continue our planning for the new Dublin stadium and for the 2030 T20 World Cup,” Deutrom said, referring to Ireland’s role as a co-host alongside England and Scotland.
With Ireland withdrawing from the series, Afghanistan currently has no scheduled international fixtures. The team endured a heartbreaking exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 despite putting up a strong fight in the group stage, leaving their wait for an ICC title ongoing.
