Pakistan’s planned ODI tri series with Zimbabwe and Ireland in early 2027 is set to be cancelled after Zimbabwe decided not to take part.
The three teams were due to play the series in Pakistan in January. However, Zimbabwe’s involvement has fallen through because of commercial reasons.
Pakistan and Zimbabwe are now working to find another window for the series. Ireland are still expected to travel to Pakistan. Their tour is now likely to become a bilateral white ball series instead.
A one off Test between Pakistan and Ireland had also been discussed. However, that plan is now unlikely to go ahead.
“The PCB and Cricket Ireland are currently working through a revised schedule for the tour, and details will be made available shortly,” a Cricket Ireland spokesperson said.
Pakistan are looking to play more ODI cricket as they prepare for the ODI World Cup later in the year. They are scheduled to host Sri Lanka and England in an ODI tri series next month. Pakistan are also working on a five match ODI series in Bangladesh, while another five match series in England next summer has already been confirmed.
Ireland also have an important year ahead. They will play in the World Cup qualifiers in February as they look to secure a place in the main tournament. The World Cup is scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November.
Ireland had hoped the ODI matches against Pakistan would provide useful preparation if they qualify. The two sides are now working on a new schedule following Zimbabwe’s withdrawal.
