Ireland to host South Africa in Abu Dhabi in September

Ireland Cricket. (Photo Source: X(Twitter/Ireland Cricket)

Cricket Ireland has announced a series against South Africa in Abu Dhabi later this year. Despite gaining Full Member status in 2017 and hosting their maiden Test match the following year, Ireland have struggled with the absence of a permanent international venue. The high costs associated with temporary infrastructure have forced six of their subsequent seven Tests to be played overseas, including their historic first victory against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.

While Ireland will welcome Zimbabwe for a one-off Test at the Civil Service Cricket Ground in Stormont, Belfast, from July 25-29, the white-ball matches of that tour have fallen victim to financial and logistical obstacles. The cricketing board has confirmed that the three ODIs and three T20Is initially scheduled are not proceeding as things stand.

Also read: Ireland confirm postponement of Australia series

South Africa series to begin on September 27

The Irish side will play two ODIs and three T20Is against Proteas in Abu Dhabi from late September, marking the second consecutive away series against Ireland in a neutral territory after the 2022 T20Is were held in Bristol, England.

The South Africa series is not the only creative solution employed by Cricket Ireland this year. Of their 20 scheduled home men’s internationals, only four will take place in Ireland, while 11 have been either cancelled or postponed, including Australia’s proposed tour.

Also read: Cricket Ireland announce International Umpires Panel for 2024

On the women’s front, Ireland will host England for the first time since 1995, with three ODIs and three T20Is scheduled in September, marking a historic occasion as England undertakes their first tour of the country in the professional era. The women’s side will also be up against Sri Lanka for two T20Is and three ODIs in August.

Ireland Men’s team fixtures:

Zimbabwe Test

25-29 July: Ireland Men v Zimbabwe Men (Test Match; Stormont; 11 am start time)

South Africa series

27 September: Ireland Men v South Africa Men (1st T20I; Abu Dhabi)

29 September: Ireland Men v South Africa Men (2nd T20I; Abu Dhabi)

2 October: Ireland Men v South Africa Men (1st ODI; Abu Dhabi)

4 October: Ireland Men v South Africa Men (2nd ODI; Abu Dhabi)

7 October: Ireland Men v South Africa Men (3rd ODI; Abu Dhabi)

Ireland Women’s team fixtures:

Sri Lanka Series

11 August: Ireland Women v Sri Lanka Women (1st T20I; Pembroke)

13 August: Ireland Women v Sri Lanka Women (2nd T20I; Pembroke)

16 August: Ireland Women v Sri Lanka Women (1st ODI; Stormont)

18 August: Ireland Women v Sri Lanka Women (2nd ODI; Stormont)

20 August: Ireland Women v Sri Lanka Women (3rd ODI; Stormont)

England series

7 September: Ireland Women v England Women (1st ODI; Stormont)

9 September: Ireland Women v England Women (2nd ODI; Stormont)

11 September: Ireland Women v England Women (3rd ODI; Stormont)

14 September: Ireland Women v England Women (1st T20I; Clontarf)

16 September: Ireland Women v England Women (2nd T20I; Clontarf)

17 September: Ireland Women v England Women (3rd T20I; Clontarf)