Dublin : Cricket Ireland announced details of a two match One-Day International series against Pakistan both to be played at Stormont, Belfast, on May 27 and May 29.
The ODIs were made possible thanks to generous funding from Irish Sports Council, Sport NI, ICC High Performance Program & Ireland’s team sponsor RSA. Ireland famously last played Pakistan in an ODI during 2007 World Cup, when the team produced one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history.
Cricket Ireland Chief Executive Warren Deutrom said: “Following our recent World Cup campaign, the need to play the world’s best teams on a more regular basis has become more pressing than ever to giveus experience to continue to compete at highest level. We are extremely grateful to Pakistan Cricket Board for agreeing to these fixtures, particularly coming as they do at the end of a long time away from home for the squad.”
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ijaz Butt said: “The fight that Irish team displayed at the World Cup lit up the event and added a new flavor to International Cricket. Pakistan Team’s upcoming tour is in line with ICC and PCB’s vision of Cricket Development and support to associate members. We anticipate a hard fought series as Irish team has shown they are capable of playing against the best in the World.”Ireland coach Phil Simmons was delighted at the announcement saying: “This is what we have been cryingout for – fixtures against top teams in the world. We’re due to play Sri Lanka and England as well this summer, so that’s definitely a step in right direction as far as Irish cricket is concerned. It will be a great chance for players to pit their wits against some of best cricketers in world cricket."
