Ireland to Welcome South Africa in Abu Dhabi in September

Cricket Ireland has unveiled plans for a series against South Africa to be held in Abu Dhabi later this year. Despite achieving Full Member status in 2017 and hosting their inaugural Test match the following year, Ireland has faced challenges due to the absence of a permanent international venue. The high costs associated with temporary infrastructure have led to six of their last seven Tests being played overseas, including their historic victory against Afghanistan earlier this year in Abu Dhabi.

While Ireland is set to welcome Zimbabwe for a solitary Test at the Civil Service Cricket Ground in Stormont, Belfast, from July 25-29, the limited-overs matches of that tour have been affected by financial and logistical hurdles. Cricket Ireland has confirmed that the initially planned three ODIs and three T20Is will not take place as things stand.

The series against South Africa begins on September 27, with IRE playing two ODIs and three T20Is. It’s their second consecutive away series in neutral territory after the 2022 T20Is in Bristol, England. This move reflects Cricket Ireland’s efforts to ensure competitive cricket despite logistical challenges.

Cricket Ireland has adopted various innovative measures this year due to scheduling challenges. Of their 20 scheduled home men’s internationals, only four will be played in Ireland, with 11 either cancelled or postponed, including the proposed tour by Australia.

On the women’s front, Ireland is poised to host England for the first time since 1995, with three ODIs and three T20Is scheduled in September. This marks a significant occasion as England undertakes their first tour of the country in the professional era. Additionally, the women’s team will face Sri Lanka for two T20Is and three ODIs in August.

Here are the fixtures for the Ireland Men’s and Women’s teams:

Ireland Men’s team fixtures:

• Zimbabwe Test: 25-29 July (Stormont)
• South Africa series: 27 September – 7 October (Abu Dhabi)

Ireland Women’s team fixtures:

• Sri Lanka Series: 11-20 August (Pembroke and Stormont)
• England series: 7-17 September (Stormont and Clontarf)