The PCB initially issued a statement confirming the series of tests, but later said no such agreement had been reached.
Danyal Rasool
Cricket Ireland has officially announced that it will host its first ever men’s tour of Pakistan in August and September next year. The series, which saw Ireland and Pakistan play three T20Is and three ODIs, was part of the Future Tour Program (FTP) scheduled for September 2025.
The release does not mention dates, venues or other details regarding the tour’s schedule. This follows the Ireland women’s team’s tour of Pakistan in November 2022, which also played three ODIs and three T20Is.
The decision was finalized after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Cricket Ireland chairman Blaine McNeice. The PCB initially issued a statement that appeared to confirm that Ireland would also play the Test series in Pakistan, which is not part of the FTP.
“The President of Cricket Ireland has stated that the Irish team will visit Pakistan for a Test series in August-September next year and that the possibility of a women’s team touring Pakistan will be considered soon,” the PCB said in a statement.
When ESPNcricinfo contacted the PCB for further details, the PCB denied that any such Test series had been formally agreed, despite the board’s own statement ostensibly confirming it. A Cricket Ireland spokesperson said the details of the tour’s list of dates would be discussed by both boards in due course.
Hours after the PCB release, Cricket Ireland released an official statement on its website regarding the meeting between Naqvi and McNeice. After “extensive discussions,” both boards were able to “agree on next year’s men’s tour, another historic first following the senior women’s tour of Pakistan in 2022. ” I just confirmed that.
Pakistan men’s team is currently participating in a three-match T20I series in Ireland. The first two games were tied 1-1 for both teams, with the series deciding game set for Tuesday.
Danyal Rasool is ESPNcricinfo’s Pakistan correspondent. @Danny61000
