The three ODI series between Afghanistan and Ireland, which are a part of ICC’s World Cup super league, have been rescheduled due to the delayed arrival of hosts in UAE. Afghanistan was set to host Ireland in UAE for a three-match ODI series which was scheduled on January 18.
Ireland was keen to play Afghanistan in Oman after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) found it difficult to get visas to UAE which conclusively got delayed in the process.
The three ODIs which were scheduled on January 18, 21, and 23 respectively at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi have been postponed by three days.
The three ODIs have now been rescheduled and will be played on January 21, 24, and 26 at the same venue ( Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi).
Addressing the issue High-performance director for Cricket Ireland, Richard Holdsworth, said that they are pleased to accept the Afghanistan cricket board’s requests for a slight change in fixtures.
'We were pleased to accommodate the Afghanistan Cricket Board's request for a slight extension of the tour understanding that the delayed arrival time of the Afghan side, combined with their quarantine requirements meant that the previous schedule could not be achieved,'' said Richard Holdsworth on Wednesday.
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Holdsworth also thanked Emirates Cricket Board and Abu Dhabi sports council for maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
"We are pleased that after discussions over recent days, an agreement was reached on keeping the series in Abu Dhabi after the Afghanistan squad's visas came through. We are thankful to the Emirates Cricket Board and Abu Dhabi Sports Council for working with us to ensure the series will be played in a safe and healthy environment,'' he added.
Before playing Afghanistan, Ireland will start their campaign against the hosts UAE with four-match ODI series.
Richard Holdsworth said that our primary focus will be on the series against UAE, which will be challenging in their home conditions. He said, “We look forward to a great series with World Cup Super League points on the line. But first, we are focused on the four-match series against the UAE which will be a tough challenge in their home conditions."
The four-match ODI series between Ireland and UAE is set to begin on Friday.
(Cricbuzz inputs)
