Ireland's home series versus New Zealand, Pakistan postponed amid COVID-19 pandemic 

Both New Zealand and Pakistan were due to visit the Irish shores for multiple limited-overs games.

Ireland's home fixtures have been affected by the viral outbreak | GettyIreland's home summer fixtures against New Zealand and Pakistan have been jeopardised by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cricket Ireland (CI), in mutual agreement with boards from New Zealand, Pakistan, indefinitely suspended the multiple limited-overs matches that were due to be played on the Irish shores in wake of the deadly outbreak. 

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"It had become fairly obvious following the recent series of government announcements in the Republic and UK that the New Zealand series was not feasible," Warren Deutrom, Cricket Ireland's chief executive, said in a statement regarding Black Caps' three ODIs, three T20Is tour to the country in June. 

"We had also said previously that the fate of some fixtures could be dependent upon decisions by the travelling team's government... New Zealand Cricket contacted us to inform us that they could not travel."

Pakistan supported Ireland's call to postpone the national team's two T20Is, scheduled for July 12 and 14 in Dublin. 

"As we have all reiterated, the safety and security of players, officials and fans comes first," PCB chief executive Wasim Khan said.

"It remains a challenging time for all nations that are due to be hosting home series in the coming months."

Ireland is also due to travel to England in September for three ODIs, part of the inaugural ODI Super League. But those matches are greatly uncertain at this stage because of the health crisis. 

"Numerous challenges have to be resolved notably around timing, bio-secure venues and quarantine requirements for players who travel," said Deutrom. 

"We will continue to work with the ECB on trying to make these fixtures happen, but the issues involved will take a little while to work through."

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 15 May, 2020

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