Ireland to play ODI series against Pakistan in May

Two-match one-day series to be played on May 23 and 26. Venue not yet finalised.

Ireland have confirmed a two-match one-day series against Pakistan in May as part of preparations for the Champions Trophy, reported ESPNcricinfo on Monday.

According to the report, the venue of the matches – due to be played on May 23 and 26 – has not been finalised yet, while a week-long stay for Pakistan in Ireland has been confirmed.

“It’s fantastic news for Irish cricket, and we’re grateful to both ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board for making the series possible,” the report quoted Ireland coach Phil Simmons as saying. “The extra funding we’ve secured through TAPP [Targeted Assistance and Performance Programme] ensures we’re able to organise additional matches against Full Members,” he added.

The matches add to an increasing fixture list for Ireland with an ODI against England, tour by Australia and plans for a series against Bangladesh, the report said.

“Pakistan are a formidable one-day side and it’s a great way of measuring where we are as a team. We’ve had some wonderful tussles with them in the past, and for many, Irish cricket was born the day we beat them in the 2007 World Cup. That win grabbed the attention of the world and we haven’t looked back since,” said Simmons.