Zimbabwe to Host Ireland for Full Series in February

Zimbabwe will host Ireland for a seven-match all-format series in February, beginning with a one-off Test from February 6-10 in Bulawayo. The series will then shift to Harare, where the teams will play three ODIs on February 14, 16, and 18, followed by three T20Is on February 22, 23, and 25. Originally, this series was scheduled to feature two Tests and six white-ball games under the ICC men’s Future Tours Programme.

Zimbabwe Cricket’s Managing Director, Givemore Makoni, highlighted the importance of hosting back-to-back full tours, saying, “Hosting two full tours in quick succession is a testament to our commitment to providing our players with regular international cricket and growing the game in Zimbabwe.”

Zimbabwe are currently concluding a multi-format series against Afghanistan, with the second Test scheduled to end on January 6. The team has faced setbacks in the T20I and ODI formats, losing both series, while drawing the first Test.

Ireland will feature new faces for the Zimbabwe tour. Morgan Topping has earned his first international call-up for both Test and ODI squads, while legspinner Gavin Hoey, following his international debut in October, has retained his place in the ODI squad and could make his Test debut. Fast bowlers Barry McCarthy and Gareth Delany return from injuries, with McCarthy included in all squads and Delany in the T20I squad.

Ireland’s national selector, Andrew White, is looking forward to the series, noting the excitement of playing across all three formats. Moreover, he emphasized that this series promises to be an important one for both teams as they prepare for future international events.