The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and Cricket Ireland (CI) have reached an agreement that their respective national teams will play a One Day International (ODI) series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, in the United Arab Emirates, next month.
The ACB said in a statement that a memorandum of understanding was signed between the two sporting bodies on Wednesday, outlining the obligations of both sides.
“Three ODI matches will be an excellent opportunity for both Afghanistan and Ireland to face each other for competitive cricket after obtaining Full Member status of the International Cricket Council on the same day,” CEO of the Afghanistan cricket board, Shafiqullah Stanikzai said.
He said the event will help the two sides prepare for the ICC World Cup Qualifying rounds next year.
“Sharjah has witnessed entertaining cricket between the two sides in the past and the same will be expected again in this series,” he said.
Cricket Ireland’s CEO Warren Deutrom, said: “Both teams will relish this clash not just as the two of the sport’s closest rivals, and as its two newest Test nations but, most obviously at this point, as the two teams are preparing for the ICC World Cup Qualifier in early March. I am sure players and fans can’t wait.”
Fixtures:
1st ODI – Tuesday 5th December, Day / Night game
2nd ODI – Thursday 7th December, Day/ Night game
3rd ODI – Sunday 10th December, Day / Night game