Cricket: Pakistan team’s packed schedule delays Ireland’s tour

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that Ireland’s scheduled white-ball tour of Pakistan next month has now been postponed. The decision was made on Sunday following mutual agreement between the PCB and Cricket Ireland, citing Pakistan’s congested international calendar.

The Irish team was originally set to tour Pakistan in September and October to play three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). However, both boards have agreed to look for a new window in 2027 to reschedule the series.

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The postponement comes as the Pakistan cricket team prepares for a tri-nation T20 series starting August 29, following their tour of the West Indies. The tri-series is scheduled to run until September 7.

Immediately afterward, Pakistan will take part in the Asia Cup, scheduled from September 9 to 28. The national team will also host South Africa for a Test series at home in October.

The PCB said that it will host Ireland at a future date when both teams’ schedules align. Pakistan last faced Ireland in June 2024 during the T20 World Cup where the latter lost.

Pakistan has recently clinched victory in the T20 series against West Indies 2-1 following three matches full of suspense with ultimately spinners helping through the matches.