AFGHANISTAN VS IRELAND 2019

Afghanistan-Ireland series advanced to February 21

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Ireland are set to play their maiden away Test against Afghanistan on this tour © Getty

Ireland and Afghanistan will engage in a month-long series involving games across all three formats in Dehradun, starting on February 21. The two boards have also revised the end date of the series keeping in mind the early start of the 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League from March 23.

The bilateral series will begin with the three-match T20I series on February 21. The two teams will then play five ODIs, beginning from February 28 before squaring off in the one-off Test match from March 15.

"Initially, we planned to conclude the series on March 23 but keeping in mind the dates of the Indian Premier League in which three of Afghanistan's main players will be participating, the dates were slightly adjusted and I would like to thank Cricket Ireland for honouring our request," ACB CEO Shafiqullah Stanikzai said.

The five-match series, particularly, will be key to Afghanistan in their preparation for the 2019 World Cup, reckoned Stanikzai. "The series will be important for Afghanistan as we are in the preparation stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and we are certain that both sides will play competitive cricket."

For Ireland, the last fixture of the tour might be the most significant one - since it will be their first-ever overseas Test assignment.

"The importance of this series to both nations cannot be understated, so it was important that we could ensure the fans did not miss out on a clash that will see best v best in terms of players available. We hope this slight amendment to playing days does not impact too much on the travel bookings of any fans attending the series. We look forward to a great series - which will include Ireland's first overseas Test match," CEO of Cricket Ireland Warren Deutrom said.

© Cricbuzz

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