Pakistan’s planned ODI tri-series with Ireland and Zimbabwe in January 2027 is set to be scrapped, with Zimbabwe unlikely to take part in the Pakistan leg.
Zimbabwe’s withdrawal is understood to be linked to commercial reasons. The two sides are also believed to be working on an alternative window for their matches.
The change means the planned three-team tournament is likely to become a bilateral white-ball series between Pakistan and Ireland. Cricket Ireland confirmed that it is discussing a revised schedule with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“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.
Ireland were due to tour Pakistan in January for a multi-format programme. A one-off Test had also been under discussion, but that is now unlikely to go ahead as the schedule is reshaped. Cricket Ireland had previously confirmed that Pakistan was part of Ireland’s 2027 international plans, including a multi-format tour.
For Pakistan, the change could affect their plans for more ODI cricket ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The side are keen to play more 50-over matches during the World Cup year.
Pakistan are also due to play a tri-series with Sri Lanka and England next month. A five-match ODI series against Bangladesh is being planned, while another five-match ODI series in England has already been confirmed for next summer.
Ireland have their own important target in early 2027. They are expected to play in the World Cup qualifiers in February as they seek to secure a place at the tournament later in the year.
The 2027 ODI World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November.
The proposed Pakistan tour would therefore have offered Ireland useful preparation for the qualifiers and the World Cup. However, with Zimbabwe’s participation now in doubt, the programme is being reshaped.
The revised Pakistan-Ireland schedule is expected to be announced once both boards finalise the details.
