Zimbabwe have withdrawn from the ODI tri-series scheduled in Pakistan next year, with the event now set to be reworked as a bilateral arrangement with Ireland. The development was reported on Wednesday, with sources telling Geo Super that Ireland will instead play six one-day matches on their Pakistan tour.
Commercial reasons behind Zimbabwe’s withdrawal
According to a report by Cricinfo, Zimbabwe’s participation in the tri-series, which was to feature hosts Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland, has fallen through due to commercial reasons. The Pakistan Cricket Board and Zimbabwe Cricket are now working on finding an alternate window for their fixtures.
The tri-series was part of Pakistan’s plans to play a series of ODIs in the build-up to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Six ODIs planned for Ireland’s tour
Sources said the PCB and Cricket Ireland have been discussing the revised tour, with a formal announcement to follow once details are finalised. Ireland are expected to play six one-day matches on the tour: three against the Pakistan men’s team with full international status, and three against Pakistan Shaheens.
A one-off Test had also been under discussion, but that possibility has now receded, according to the report. “The PCB and Cricket Ireland are currently working through a revised schedule for the tour, and details will be made available shortly,” a Cricket Ireland spokesperson told Cricinfo.
The series would serve as useful preparation for Ireland, who are due to take part in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in February next year. The qualifier schedule was due to be announced on October 1.
Pakistan’s busy ODI calendar
Pakistan’s white-ball schedule is filling up. The team will host Sri Lanka and England in an ODI tri-series next month, the PCB is working on a five-match bilateral series against Bangladesh, and a five-match tour of England next summer has been confirmed.
Why did Zimbabwe withdraw from the Pakistan tri-series?
According to Cricinfo, Zimbabwe’s participation fell through due to commercial reasons. The PCB and Zimbabwe Cricket are working on an alternate window.
How many matches will Ireland play on their Pakistan tour?
Ireland are expected to play six one-day matches: three ODIs against Pakistan and three against Pakistan Shaheens.
Will Ireland play a Test match in Pakistan?
A one-off Test was discussed, but the possibility has now receded, according to the report.
