ACB | Afghanistan Cricket Board Seeks to Reschedule Postponed Tour to Ireland

Afghanistan Cricket Board Plans to Reschedule Postponed Ireland Tour

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the postponed multi-format tour to Ireland takes place at a later date. The series, originally scheduled for August 2025, was part of the ICC Future Tours Program (FTP) 2023-2027 and included a Test match, three ODIs, and three T20Is. However, budgetary constraints forced Cricket Ireland to delay the series, prompting discussions about a new schedule.

Financial Constraints Delay Ireland’s Hosting Plans

The cancellation was confirmed by Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom, who communicated the decision to ACB CEO Naseeb Khan on March 8, 2025. Deutrom explained that financial limitations meant they could not proceed with the tour as planned this year but expressed interest in hosting Afghanistan in 2026.

"Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom spoke to me on March 8 and explained that, due to financial reasons, they are unable to host us this year. However, they have expressed interest in hosting us in 2026." – ACB CEO Naseeb Khan

While acknowledging Ireland’s financial constraints, ACB remains determined to find a suitable window to reschedule the series, as it would provide valuable match experience for both teams.

Importance of the Afghanistan-Ireland Series

The Afghanistan vs Ireland rivalry has grown significantly over the years, with both teams making remarkable progress in international cricket. The multi-format series is particularly crucial for Afghanistan, as it allows their players to gain more exposure in red-ball cricket while also strengthening their limited-overs game ahead of major ICC events.

Afghanistan has been making steady improvements in Test cricket, and a match against Ireland would serve as an essential opportunity to develop their long-format game. Additionally, the ODIs and T20Is would allow both teams to fine-tune their squads as they prepare for upcoming ICC tournaments.

ACB’s Commitment to Rescheduling

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has emphasized its strong cricketing relationship with Ireland and its commitment to ensuring that the tour goes ahead at a later date.

"We are in discussions with Cricket Ireland to explore suitable options for rescheduling the series and will work collaboratively to find a mutually convenient window." – ACB CEO Naseeb Khan

ACB is actively working on finding a new timeframe that aligns with both teams' busy international schedules and remains optimistic about confirming new dates soon.

The Challenges of Cricket Scheduling

Rescheduling a multi-format tour is a complex process due to the packed international calendar. Both Afghanistan and Ireland have upcoming fixtures in ICC tournaments, bilateral series, and domestic leagues, making it challenging to find an ideal window for the tour.

The postponement of this series also raises broader concerns about the financial stability of smaller cricket boards. Cricket Ireland’s inability to host the series highlights the financial disparities that exist in international cricket, where some boards struggle to fund full home series.

What’s Next for Afghanistan and Ireland

While the rescheduling discussions continue, both teams will focus on their upcoming international commitments:

• Afghanistan will prepare for key ICC white-ball tournaments and other bilateral series.

• Ireland will look to manage its finances while ensuring that it remains competitive in Test and limited-overs formats.

Fans Await Confirmation of New Dates

Afghanistan and Ireland fans are eager to see their teams compete, and the rescheduled tour will be a highly anticipated event. Both cricket boards are working towards a solution, and an official announcement is expected in the coming months.