Ireland-Afghanistan series advanced after BCCI’s decision on early IPL

Ireland will tour India in February for bilateral series against Afghanistan in all the three formats starting from February 21 with a three-match T20I series. The two teams will also play five ODIs and the one-off Test match that is scheduled to be played from March 15. Afghanistan had requested Ireland to revise the dates of the series after the BCCI decided to hold the IPL earlier than the previous editions because of the Cricket World Cup starting on May 30. 

The request came from the Afghan board as three key players – Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are a part of the cash-rich league. 

"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, reported Cricbuzz.

“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."

Speaking about the importance of the tour, CEO of Cricket Ireland Warren Deutrom said, "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."